Since wowing fans in Belgium as a young teenage striking sensation, Romelu Lukaku was expected to take the footballing world by storm with his brutal nature in the opposition’s third and cool composure in front of goal. The Anderlecht star eventually signed for Chelsea in a big money move that saw many deem the strong centre-forward as the ‘new Didier Drogba’ down at Stamford Bridge.
A disappointing lack of game time with the Blues, however, led to loan spells at West Brom and Everton. Despite Lukaku impressing in both, the striker never established himself as a starter with Chelsea. Many saw Jose Mourinho’s loss as Roberto Martinez’ gain, but as he cost the Toffees in the region of £28 million, some of the more pessimistic voices within the footballing community have already labelled Lukaku as a flop.
In light of such developments, should Everton think twice in the future about breaking their transfer record and putting all their eggs in one basket? Or should the The Toffees keep the faith with the Belgian starlet?
When analysing Everton’s powerful No. 10 and what he can offer in the Premier League; it is important to remember that Lukaku is still only 21-years-old. The former Chelsea man is more than capable of developing his game in the next few years. Already a bustling presence up front, the Belgian international can still improve technically and positionally in order to really become a formidable star of English football.
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For all those who have said that he has not lived up to expectations this season, Romelu Lukaku would still likely get into most team’s starting XI’s in the Premier League. It could even be argued that Chelsea could still have a use for the Belgian striker, who would be more than willing to test Diego Costa’s ability to hold down a starting place under Jose Mourinho this year. Whilst this has been far from a vintage season for Lukaku, the Everton man has still recorded an impressive 10 goals this campaign, with a lot more likely to come if the team can improve in the second half of the season.
Although the Toffees have been somewhat struggling of late, Everton fans can lay little blame at the feet of Lukaku, whose scoring boots have in fact been more firmly on than many of those around him. Roberto Martinez has had the added pressures of Europa League football to deal with, an ageing squad and the much famed ‘honeymoon period’ very much coming to an end.
That said, Romelu Lukaku hasn’t exactly looked dangerous in every game he has played this season, and as his World Cup in Brazil was certainly one to forget. Martinez needs to make sure he gets the most out of his main man if Everton are to have a better second half of the season than they did the first. On several occasions this campaign, the former Everton loanee has lacked a bit of sharpness, not been as mobile as Toffees fans know he can be, and verged on the predictable.
However, the big Belgian star doesn’t deserve the criticism he has received from some quarters this year. The former Anderlecht favourite still has everything going for him, and as he is remains only 21-years-old, there is every chance the £28 million will one day be considered a bargain.
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