Back in the summer, Crystal Palace re-signed Michy Batshuayi on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea, in the hope that he could solve their severe goalscoring woes.
Last term, the Eagles finished the Premier League campaign with just 31 goals to their name in 38 outings – Alexander Sorloth netted more than that on his own for Trabzonspor with 33 strikes.
Having netted five goals in nine Premier League starts during his first stint at Selhurst Park, there was optimism that the Belgian could answer the call.
However, the forward – who cost Chelsea £33 million – has failed to step up so far this season.
In fairness to Batshuayi, he has scored three offside goals this season, so his finishing has been fairly decent – the timing of his movement needs work, though.
Having said that, it’s what the ex-Marseille striker does – or doesn’t do, rather – when he’s not scoring goals that’s the issue.
WhoScored shows that Batshuayi averages just 10.7 passes per game in the Premier League this season, which simply isn’t enough involvement.
When chances aren’t being created for him to finish, the 27-year-old’s lack of influence on matches is strikingly evident.
Of course, Roy Hodgson wants him to score goals above anything.
However, when he isn’t doing that, Batshuayi needs to do more in terms of general play – if he doesn’t, it’s almost like having ten men for the south Londoners.
