Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi needs time to adapt, says Thibaut Courtois
Tuesday 2 August 2016 11:08, UK
Thibaut Courtois says Michy Batshuayi will need time to adapt to the Premier League, but is confident his Belgium compatriot will be a success at Chelsea.
Batshuayi became Antonio Conte's first signing as Chelsea head coach last month, signing a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge after the Blues agreed to pay Marseille £33.2m for his services.
The forward, who scored 33 goals in 78 matches for Marseille, cut short his holiday following Euro 2016 to link up with his new team-mates and begin preparations for the new Premier League season.
Courtois believes Batshuayi has all the attributes to succeed in England and is convinced the 22-year-old will adjust to the speed of the Premier League.
"Michy is a very strong striker, fast, good technique, he can hold a ball and score a goal very easily with either foot," the goalkeeper told Chelsea's official website.
"He is good in the air as well. I won't say it is his strongest point but he can handle himself and being strong as well is important for that. I hope he can prove himself here as well.
"He will need to adapt a bit to the speed of the Premier League because I think it is faster than the French League, but I think he will adapt fast.
"He is working hard so hopefully he will have a good season together with us."