Antonio Conte believes Michy Batshuayi is ready to start games regularly for Chelsea after another positive performance in the 2-1 EFL Cup win against Everton on Wednesday.
Batshuayi was rewarded for his two goals in the comeback 4-2 win over Watford at the weekend with a start at Stamford Bridge.
Unlike in the last round of this competition, when Batshuayi netted a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, the Belgian couldn't find the target and was brought off for Alvaro Morata with five minutes to go.
Conte was seen applauding Batshuayi off the pitch nonetheless and, despite drawing a blank, the striker drew plaudits from his manager in the wake of recent heavy criticism of his previous start.
"Michy is improving a lot, especially under a tactical aspect," Conte told reporters. "He is working very well and understanding what I want from him. He’s improving a lot. I’m very happy. Tonight he didn’t score but he played very well.
"I don’t judge a striker if he scores or not scores - I judge my players on the performance and Michy is improving a lot. He has a lot of room for improvement.
"Last season was difficult for him but it was also difficult for me. Now he’s ready to start and come out and during the game and have a good impact. Sometimes if I decide to play with two strikers, maybe I don’t know, but it's important to know I can count on him."
