According to Phil Hay, as cited by Express, Leeds United are interested in Michy Batshuayi. The Chelsea striker is being monitored by the newly-promoted Premier League club, with manager Marcelo Bielsa well aware of his qualities. Batshuayi has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge, and a move to Elland Road could be on the horizon.
What can Michy Batshuayi offer to the table?
Batshuayi is advertised as a prolific goalscorer, who is gifted with a brilliant positioning sense. He can sniff scoring opportunities and position himself at the right place at the right time. It makes him quite similar to Arsenal superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Belgian’s style of play is not only restricted to just goalscoring, however. Unlike Aubameyang, he has a strong 1.84m physique that makes him thrive in one-on-one physical duels. It gives him a major advantage when it comes to holding the ball up or shrugging the defenders, making him an excellent outlet in the final third.
Batshuayi isn’t afraid to track back either. The 26-year-old often tends to drop deep and help out his team in the approach play. He can even shift into a wider role, if necessary.
Moreover, Batshuayi is known for his playful attitude that often helps the team. It is combined with his physicality, productivity and versatility, making him one of the most talented strikers in the Premier League.
Is Batshuayi an answer to Leeds’s problem?
Leeds United are, no doubt, looking for reinforcements in the attacking department this summer. They need an upgrade over Patrick Bamford, who is not exactly known for his productivity. That is where Batshuayi could be an intriguing option for Bielsa.
As mentioned earlier, the Belgian international is equipped with remarkable positional knowledge in the final third. Such expertise and goalscoring instincts are sure to aid Leeds United’s overall productivity going forward.
Aside from that, the 26-year-old could tune in perfectly with Bielsa’s tactical philosophy thanks to his excellent spirit, work-ethic and versatility. He also has a vast amount of experience at the highest level of football which should be useful for an otherwise inexperienced Leeds United setup.
Even for Batshuayi himself, a move to Elland Road should provide him with the opportunity to revive his career, following a disappointing spell at Chelsea. However, it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites can afford the Belgian sensation this summer.