Arsenal icon Ian Wright would rather have Tammy Abraham than Michy Batshuayi: 'With his movement, I'm taking Tammy over him all day long'

  • Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright has heaped praise on striker Tammy Abraham
  • Wright was impressed by the youngster's movement during Swansea's 2-0 win
  • Abraham struck twice to secure victory against Huddersfield Town on Saturday
  • Michy Batshuayi on the other hand struggled in Chelsea's loss to Crystal Palace
  • Wright criticised the Belgium international for his lack of movement and instinct 

Former Arsenal talisman Ian Wright has said he would rather have Tammy Abraham leading the line than Michy Batshuayi.

Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Wright heavily criticised Batshuayi for lacking a poacher's instinct and for poor movement off the ball during Chelsea's 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace.

The Belgian has looked an improved player to what he did last season in what was his debut campaign in England — and has five goals for Chelsea in all competitions.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has said he prefers Tammy Abraham to Michy Batshuayi

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has said he prefers Tammy Abraham to Michy Batshuayi

But the 23-year-old was unable to prevent Antonio Conte's side from suffering a surprise defeat at Selhurst Park on Saturday.


It was a golden opportunity for Batshuayi to stake a claim for a first-team spot in the absence of summer arrival Alvaro Morata, who is out injured, but he failed to make an impact and was substituted off after just 57 minutes.

Conte has already warned him he faces competition from winger Eden Hazard and his performance on Saturday wouldn't have done him any favours.

'I said a couple of weeks ago that Batshuayi should be very disappointed that he [Conte] would rather put Hazard up there,' Wright said.

'The problem I have got with him is he is not working defenders hard enough to get some space to get a chance in the box, that's what he needs. He needs to make movements to get this space. 

'When you watch him he doesn't move. His movement just doesn't have enough intensity about it, there's nothing in it. There were some fantastic balls [against Crystal Palace] but he was too late for many of them. 

Wright outlined the main difference between the strikers is Abraham's movement is better

Wright outlined the main difference between the strikers is Abraham's movement is better

'That's what he has to do, he has to earn the space. When you look at the movement he does there's nothing in it. Those are the things where you're going to get goals if you're willing to put the work in. 

'I think when a ball comes across you have just got to be willing to gamble and work hard to get the space, if he wants goals he's going to have to start working harder.'

Contrastingly, Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham enjoyed a good day at the office and helped himself to a double to inflict more woe on newly-promoted Huddersfield and secure a comfortable 2-0 win for Swansea.

The England Under 21 striker has built on his 26-goal campaign last season at Championship outfit Bristol City and looks an integral part of Paul Clement's Swansea side.

Abraham impressed Wright after the Chelsea loanee scored twice in Swansea's 2-0 victory

Abraham impressed Wright after the Chelsea loanee scored twice in Swansea's 2-0 victory

Wright, who himself was a lethal striker, can see the potential and heaped praised on the youngster for his display.

'Tammy set the tone straight away,' he said.

'What I really like about him is that he hits the target. I was hoping he would get some goals today to give him confidence. He worked hard and showed composure for his first goal and his movement today was superb. 

'And I know Ayew is putting his hand up there and having a go but I would have done the same thing, he had to tap that in or the defender clears that off the line with ease.'

When asked whether or not he would rather have Abraham or Batshuayi as his striker Wright didn't even hesitate. 

He added: 'With that movement, I'm taking Tammy all day long.'