Michy Batshuayi certainly cut a peripheral figure for large parts of last season. The Belgian hitman was given precious few minutes in his debut campaign with Chelsea. Nonetheless, Batshuayi’s impressive end to the season and his continued heroics in the Blues’ pre-season tour should see him be given a chance to prove his worth at the club.

It was at Standard Liege Batshuayi really cut his teeth in top-flight football, and after a stellar 2013/2014 season where he scored 22 goals in 43 appearances, he moved to Marseille in 2014. He garnered even greater recognition at Marseille, and after two seasons in France, he joined Chelsea last summer for £33 million.

Batshuayi’s first season as a Blue, however, didn’t pan out as he would have liked, with game-time in particular proving an issue. He played a meagre total of 236 minutes in the league – the second lowest thus far in his professional career. His lack of game-time even led many to suggest he could leave this summer.

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Antonio Conte’s usage of a 3-4-3 system which employs the use of a solitary central striker, coupled with Diego Costa’s scintillating form for much of last season reduced Batshuayi to the role of a super sub. And since Chelsea were hardly ever in need of one, his opportunities were cruelly limited.

Batsuayi, to his credit, refused to feel sorry for himself as many in his situation would have. Whenever he was on the pitch, he gave his absolute best, as typified in him averaging a goal every 47 minutes in the league last term.

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Personally, watching Batshuayi rot on the Chelsea bench last term was quite frustrating. After all, this is a player who is proven goalscorer, and playing in Conte’s 3-4-3 would no doubt have suited him. Being the fox in the box that he is, having the likes of Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses whip in tantalising crosses would have been wonderful.

Nonetheless, as the season’s end approached, the Belgium-international was being more and more entrusted to lead the line. It’s telling that over 50% of his game-time in the league came in the final 4 games. He performed admirably and even scored the title-clinching goal in a difficult away trip to West Brom.

Batshuayi’s impressive form has continued into the club’s pre-season tour, where he has so far been one of the better players. He has scored thrice in the three games thus far and will be hoping it gets him more opportunities when the season finally kicks off.

Diego Costa likeliness to leave Stamford Bridge this summer is good news for Batshuayi as it should see him get just that, while Alvaro Morata settles into English football. And if he does enough to win Conte over, then it just might be the Spaniard who plays second fiddle next season.

There is absolutely no doubt that Batshuayi has what it takes to be a star at Chelsea. What he needs is a chance to show what he can do and, hopefully, Conte gives him a chance in the new Premier League season.