After Michy Batshuayi’s display, do Chelsea really need a new striker?

Chelsea seem desperate to land a new striker this January, but did Michy Batshuayi’s performance against Brighton prove that the Blues don’t actually need one?

Heading into the January transfer window, Alvaro Morata’s dip in form and Michy Batshuayi’s status in the squad meant that Chelsea were keen to sign a striker. In the last few weeks, the club have seemingly been linked with almost every big (physically) forward currently active. However, Michy Batshuayi grabbed a goal against Norwich before putting in an impressive performance against Brighton. Has the Belgian finally found his feet?

Up to now, Batshuayi has been comically underutilised. Antonio Conte has constantly overlooked using the forward in lieu of sticking Eden Hazard up front as a false nine. The Belgian has been linked with a January exit as a result, potentially leaving Chelsea with just one recognised striker.

Conte’s lack of trust in Batshuayi has hurt the Blues. With Morata struggling for form, he has had no direct competition for his spot. When he has been unavailable, the false nine set-up has stopped yielding results.

However, the last few weeks appear to resemble some sort of a turning point for Batshuayi. The Belgian started against Norwich City in the FA Cup replay and he was truly dreadful. He looked disinterested and, frankly, amateur. Nonetheless, he eventually popped up in the right place at the right time to score. The relief on his face was palpable.

In the tailor: Michy Batshuayi's best suit is as a central forward in 3-4-3

Seemingly inspired by this goal, Conte started him against Brighton. His display at the Amex Stadium was arguably his finest in a Chelsea shirt. He didn’t register on the scoresheet, but he contributed significantly. His movement was fantastic and his link-up play with Eden Hazard and Willian was exciting. He finally seemed to understand how to effectively carry out his duties in a 3-4-3.

On occasions, he lapsed into his bad habits and Chelsea suffered. On the whole, though, it was the type of performance that makes you question why the Blues are so desperate for players like Ashley Barnes.

With Batshuayi finally understanding what he needs to do, the Blues looked a different team. The attacking movement was free-flowing and unstoppable. If Batshuayi can keep this up, then him and Morata are all Chelsea need for the rest of the season. However, it’s still a big if. That is the real issue.

Next: Chelsea must stop settling for second-best in transfer market

So what do you think? Did Batshuayi do enough to suppress your striking fears? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!