Forgotten Chelsea man urged to follow Lukaku, De Bruyne progression routes

Batshuayi.Pulisic.Chelsea.TEAMtalk

A forward rarely seen in the blue shirt of Chelsea has been urged to “take a step back” and follow the routes taken by Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

Chelsea underwent a significant overhaul in the summer with regards to their playing personnel.

Several major names were brought in by former boss Frank Lampard to varying degrees of success.

Numerous exits also materialised, with attacking trio Alvaro Morata, Willian and Pedro all saying their Stamford Bridge goodbyes.

One player who remains on the club’s books despite rarely featuring, however, is Michy Batshuayi.

The Belgian, 27, is currently on loan at Crystal Palace for the second time in two years.

Despite two successful loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Palace in 2018 and 2019 respectively, Batshuayi was again deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea in the summer.

His current stint at Selhurst Park has not produced the same success, with just one goal notched from 16 league appearances.

As such, former Belgian striker Erwin Vandenbergh has urged his fellow countryman to follow in De Bruyne and Lukaku’s footsteps in order to aid his long-term career progression.

Tuchel: Chelsea players have a strong bond

Tuchel: Chelsea players have a strong bond

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel says special moments have helped build a strong bond between his players.

 

When asked about the prospect of Batshuayi departing Chelsea, Vandenbergh told Voetbalkrant (via the Mirror)“In principle that would not be a bad choice for Michy

“Romelu Lukaku also dared to leave Chelsea for West Bromwich and later Everton. If he hadn’t, he might not have been where he is now.

“We also saw the same with Kevin De Bruyne.

“Batshuayi has been in the Premier League for several seasons now and it doesn’t work. So it wouldn’t be a problem to take a step back.”

 

Werner reportedly facing early Chelsea exit

Timo Werner TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, Struggling Germany forward Timo Werner could sensationally quit his Chelsea career this summer, according to a report.

Football Insider exclusively report that the 25-year-old £45m summer recruit could potentially move on after just 12 months at Stamford Bridge.

Werner has failed to hit the ground running in west London and he has struggled to hit top form under Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.

The outlet claim “Chelsea sources” do not expect Werner to see out his contract, or anywhere near it.

The forward penned a five-year deal in June 2020. However, there is a “growing expectation” he could quit and return to Germany “in the next year or two”.

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