Romelu Lukaku

[BlueLyon 9,359]

3 hours ago, The Skipper said:

Lukaku isn't better than Costa yet - but they are on a similar level. Never forget that Costa lead Atletico to the title in a supposed 2 team league. I've been happy with his development at Everton - he still needs to improve aspects of his game but he's been on the right track. He seems a lot lighter on his feet and honestly isn't a downgrade technically on Costa (even top form Costa). 

He's a Chelsea fan and has unfinished business here. His mentor is Didier. I find myself warming to the idea more and more. First and foremost, he's a flat track bully - scores lots and lots against the smaller teams which is what you need. He has the capability to explode in a match and score 3, 4 goals, which is why he's top scorer ATM. I don't see that with Diego; Lukaku is a much sharper finisher than him. It's his influence in big games I worry about a bit - it's something of a risk. Will he produce in the biggest of biggest games? 

The boy's turning into a man. If he's available for £50/60m, do we take a risk on him? On the boy who's dreamt about conquering Stamford Bridge? I genuinely wouldn't mind. He's a good striker, good enough for us anyway. He still has the possibility to elevate his game too. On his day he can be unstoppable - the real question is whether he can be on his day consistently here. I guess we'll see...

Technique was never an issue for me with him. You have brilliant technical players, lets say Balotelli who despite all their skill never did it on big stage. 

To me all that matters is that whatever they can do they can do it on big stage against top opponents. Diego is rather poor techician, but he was just unplayable in some big games (first city game this season how he cought that ball before scoring or psg goal last year). We all know he is no Aguero, but he showed all his quality in these big games. 

Problem for me with Lukaku is that despite he is ok technician, maybe not great, but in big games he is not even the  half of player he is usualy. 

Ben Arfa who is not a striker tho, he is brilliant dribbler but absolute piss in psg this season. 

You can have all the talent in world, if you cant use it its useless. Many players with less talent who know how to use what they have are alot more valuable. Because they train harder and eventualy it makes them bigger character because they know how hard they tried.

That brings me to second point, Lukaku never looked like serious hard worker to me. He is quite a moody player and plays well when he likes to and if things go south, he doesnt care anymore. Much like Sanchez, but Sanchez still has the work rate. 

Im not entirely convinced by Lukaku, but his technique is the last problem I have with him. Its great that Drogba vouches for him, and its great that he is a big chelsea fan, but he will have to work alot harder if he joins us to become top striker, which Im not so sure will have happy ending. 

He is young tho and Drogba came here when he was 26 after one very good season in Marseille. 

[The Skipper 20,609]

42 minutes ago, BlueLyon said:

Problem for me with Lukaku is that in big games he is not even the  half of player he is usualy. 

I have similar thoughts about him, I mentioned it at length in the post. That's the main question mark - can he translate his dominance vs. smaller teams to the bigger games? 

[Henrique 9,133]

Its really weird that some people really think its a not a good idea to get Lukaku back. He has been the best striker in PL for that past 2 seasons. 

[Fulham Broadway 17,306]

He needs to have a shocker tomorrow

[LAM09 7,043]

He needs to have a shocker tomorrow

He'll either be unstoppable or inivisible. I expect it to be the latter tbh

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

Emenalo and Lukaku after the game yesterday...

 

[Blue-in-me-Veins 4,067]

And with the news about Diego Costa finalizing his deal to China. 

It's all but inevitable that Lukaku will be at Stamford Bridge next season. 

[Kieran. 6,317]

Most of you are acting like he's a 32 year old finished product. The man is 23! He is good enough for now, good enough when he hits his prime and beyond that, I'm sure he's leading the line here next season.

[Clockwork 1,794]

8 hours ago, Kieran. said:

 I'm sure he's leading the line here next season.

Nope, unless he is forced on Conte and he has no alternative options.

He is not type of striker Conte wants; he wants a striker that works for the team.

 

[ja1 1,166]

 

[ja1 1,166]

http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/2/27/14746272/et-tu-lulu

Found this really good article comparing Lukaku and Costa statistically. Writer is neutral and goes in depth, quite interesting. It was done at end of February though, would have been nice to do it at end of season. take note of last few paragraphs in particular, which conveys how I feel about whole thing better than I could tbh..

'In summary, both of these players seem similar with regard to their talents on the pitch. Costa's the more fierce one, Lukaku has the higher ceiling, both very talented, but both with their flaws'

'to expect him[Lukaku] to not further improve seems to be a naive or biased perspective, as most forwards improve during their prime years'

'Everyone's going to have their own 'perspective', but it's important to not let confirmation bias cloud your judgement, and to properly rate players looking objectively at their talents, their flaws, their abilities, their potentials. It's criminal, I think, to summarily dismiss Lukaku as not being capable of entering our side'

 

 

[Fernando 6,585]

The guardian saying that Mourinho is after him. 

But then again according to the papers united are after 20 players..... 

[Special Juan 28,133]

Last week Belotti, this week Lukaku. Just more scatter gun news hoping they get it right somewhere along the line.

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

Could afford to see him back, but just no for 100 millions asking price.

[Dahnald 256]

Was all over Courtois' and Michy's Instagram live streams.

 

Desperate to join...?