Michy Batshuayi was “always ready” at Chelsea, says Roberto Martinez, with a loan move to Borussia Dortmund the best decision for all concerned.
The Belgium international is firmly back in World Cup contention after enjoying a goal-laden start to his time in Germany.
Records have been sent tumbling as the 24-year-old has demonstrated how prolific he can be when given a regular run of games.
He was denied those opportunities at Chelsea, amid fierce competition for places, but had still managed 10 goals for the Blues before heading to Germany during the winter transfer window.
Belgium boss Martinez told talkSPORT of a timely switch for Batshuayi: “To play at a World Cup is a unique moment in your career, so you have to be able to play and perform at club level in order to be in that squad.
“For Michy Batshuayi, it’s not about staying in the Premier League, it’s about finding a club where you can have a big role and you can feel you have an influence in the team.
“Michy was always ready at Chelsea, but the competition was really strong in that number nine role.
“He has gone to Borussia Dortmund and as a striker you need to score that first goal as quickly as you can, he scored two in his debut.
“You can see he is happy, free and sometimes a move in the winter window gives you that.
“For Michy, it’s given him a very strong opportunity to be in the World Cup squad because of the environment he’s found.”
Batshuayi has five goals from four appearances for Dortmund and will be hoping for many more before sealing a spot on the plane to Russia.
It is, however, still unclear what his club future will hold past the end of the 2017-18 campaign, with his loan agreement including no option for a permanent transfer to be pushed through in the summer.
