Sometimes things just fall into place for a sportsman. Whether it be your rival suffering an injury to give you a chance, or the ball literally dropping at your feet, it's easy to see why some believe in fate.
Michy Batshuayi has yet to have his breakthrough moment at Chelsea, though, and the Belgian has actually taken several steps backwards over the last few months.
Even when Diego Costa has been unavailable, Batshuayi has not made Antonio Conte’s starting XI in the Premier League, which could be seen as quite an extreme vote of no confidence.
But, now Costa has supposedly been flirting with the Chinese Super League and apparently been involved in a blazing row with his manager and the team’s physios.
Chelsea, despite a stellar performance with a front three of Pedro, Willian and Eden Hazard at the weekend, will need a natural centre-forward at points this season, so here are THREE reasons Batshuayi could be that man…
Sparks of Life
Batshuayi, when given a chance by Conte, has impressed. Scoring goals in late cameos and leading the line well when given longer appearances, the Belgian is no Mateja Kezman. While still raw, as you may expect from a 23-year-old who is playing his first Premier League season, Batshuayi is clearly ready to play for Chelsea.
The talent is unquestionably there and Batshuayi has the pace and power to be a real threat in the Premier League. While he may not have all the tricks of the trade like Diego Costa just yet, he has the all-round game to be the focal point of Chelsea’s 3-4-3.
Finding the Net
Diego Costa is the joint top Premier League goalscorer. Batshuayi is unlikely to match that sort of return, but he’s not going to go full-Fernando Torres, either. He has started four matches for Chelsea this season and found the net four times. Not a bad ratio, that, even if he has had several substitute appearances as well.
On top of this season’s evidence, Batshuayi was signed partly because of his goalscoring record previously. Netting 17 in Ligue 1 last season, the Belgian is a natural finisher, and, despite Pedro’s consistent return, Chelsea will need additional goal threats in their side unless Hazard or Willian up their output.
Only way is up
Although Costa is very much in his prime right now, the Spaniard won't be at the highest level forever. This season probably won’t see Batshuayi produce the same dominance as the former Atletico Madrid man, but Chelsea must be looking further ahead.
Batshuayi will be inconsistent and frustrating at times, but, unlike Costa, his best years are ahead of him. He is not only good enough to help Chelsea to the title this season, he could be their talisman up front for years to come.