- Aug 5, 2008
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In and around the box I agree Batshuayi could be compared to Kane. Strong, direct, good positional and timing sense. But that's where the comparison ends. Batshuayi does not drop deep, drift wide and work channels like Kane, his hold up play isn't that great, he doesn't create as many chances for others, his work without the ball vastly inferior, pressing not as good.
Whether that could be worked on and improved is open to debate, but they really aren't the same player.
I think (O) Dembele's finishing has the potential to be as good as Batshuayi's (Dembele actually has more goals per 90 than both Kane and Batshuayi this season) and he will be really effective played as any of the AM positions, but I think played as a CF, Dembele will also do that other stuff that Kane does. He'll drop and drift, get on the ball in various areas, his work off the ball (tackles/interceptions) is already on par, creates more chances per 90 for others than Kane (albeit in an easier league and playing as an AM).
Dembele is a far better option IMO whether you want him to back up Kane or (and) play in other AM/wide forward positions.
#THFC following Michy Batshuayi closely notably thanks to ex-Marseille coach Bielsa who's been sending Pochettino reports & DVDs (L'Equipe)