Michy Batshuayi and James Rodriguez are among outcasts starring away from parent clubs

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  • Michy Batshuayi

    This season has been one for the outcasts. Deemed surplus to requirements at their parent clubs, several stars have made use of their opportunities elsewhere and are flourishing.

    Of course, Michy Batshuayi is a headline act after an impressive early run with Borussia Dortmund following his January switch from Chelsea.

    But there are others who are in stellar form also. With that in mind, we assess four of the most prominent names.

    ANDREAS PEREIRA

    Andreas Pereira (r)

    Andreas Pereira (r)

    Club: Man United loaned to Valencia

    Games: 14 (7)

    Goals: 1

    Assists: 3

    Pereira is a peculiar case in the sense Jose Mourinho wanted him to remain with United, only for the 22-year-old to insist on a loan move to secure more senior football.

    That rationalisation has been vindicated by a quality campaign with a Valencia side revitalised by boss Marcelino. Third in La Liga – above Real Madrid – the level of football has been extremely high and Pereira has embraced the challenge, expressing himself through step overs, cutbacks and devilish crosses.

    He’s currently sidelined through injury after a horrid tackle from Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto in the Copa del Rey semi-final but is expected back next month to once again inhabit Los Che’s right of left wing.

    MICHY BATSHUAYI

    Michy Batshuayi

    Michy Batshuayi

    Club: Chelsea loaned to Borussia Dortmund

    Games: 3

    Goals: 5

    Assists: 1

    Batshuayi is a benevolent character with superhero capabilities – you could call him the Batman. Indeed, the Belgian has swooped into Dortmund, scored winners in two of his first three games and has had a hand in all eight goals since he joined the Bundesliga giants.

    Antonio Conte spent the winter window convincing Chelsea fans Andy Carroll would be better suited but the decision to let Batshuayi leave has proved utterly baffling.

    The 24-year-old has been more than just his five goals with neat feet, excellent link-up play and strength on the ball hallmarking a sensational fledgling loan spell.

    There’s nothing comical about his form for Chelsea with Alvaro Morata struggling for form and fitness.

    JAMES RODRIGUEZ 

    James Rodriguez

    James Rodriguez

    Club: Real Madrid loaned to Bayern Munich

    Games: 19 (5)

    Goals: 4

    Assists: 7

    There’s a sense of irony with Rodriguez in so far as Real allowed him to join Bayern Munich because his attributes were not all that suited only for Madrid to then switch their style to play to his strengths without him.

    The statistics are a real disservice to the Colombian because all corners of the club – board, boss, fans and teammates – agree he has been their standout star this season.

    His casual ability to find space, pass with supreme accuracy and set-piece delivery has endeared him to Bayern.

    He’s evolved under Jupp Heynckes to drop deeper and play more centrally, which has been crucial since Thiago’s injury, and ultimately Zinedine Zidane will be kicking himself.

    MARCO VAN GINKEL

    Marco van Ginkel (r)

    Marco van Ginkel (r)

    Club: Chelsea loaned to PSV

    Games: 24

    Goals: 12

    Assists: 3

    A third temporary stint at PSV – his fifth overall since moving to Chelsea in 2013 – has once again brought about the best form from the Dutchman.

    Having contributed to 13 goals in 20 Eredivisie games, the 25-year-old is doing his best to tempt the Blues into giving him another shot in the Premier League.

    Despite being a Chelsea player since 2013, he’s never actually been a Chelsea player. With just two Chelsea appearances to his name, Van Gikel has cut an isolated figure in Holland and fears over a persistent knee injury have hampered his chance of a return.

    Regardless, he’s been in outstanding form this season and will be hard to remain unnoticed should he continue.

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