Picture: Romelu Lukaku, the eternally underrated. Will he finally step into the limelight at the EM 2021? (© KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP / picturedesk.com)
“I wanted to be the best footballer in Belgian history. Not just good, not just very good, but the best. I’ve played with so much anger. Because of the rats in our apartment and because we had no money. “
Romelu Lukaku was driven by poverty from childhood. The 29-year-old is now one of the best strikers in the world. But not the best.
Talked about by the absolute world-class strikers, his name is often missing from the list. Then there is more talk of Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Harry Kane.
Romelu Lukaku, the underrated. Because in recent years the Belgian has been a perfectly functioning goal machine, as shown by 64 (!) Goals in 95 games such as Inter Milan.
In the European Championship 2021 Lukaku wants to keep his promise and become the best. He wants to start with the first match between Belgium and Russia (June 12, 9 p.m.).
Lukaku hits – but not often enough?
One reason for the lack of appreciation could also be the fact that Lukaku was hardly the top scorer in his career. He was only allowed to claim the title in the Jupiler Pro League and the Europa League.
The 2011/12 season at Chelsea (8 games) was the only one in his professional career in which he could not score double digits! So the 28-year-old meets often, but others usually meet more often.
Jose Mourinho once damaged his reputation in England. Even in the Blues he didn’t know what to do with the Belgian, at Manchester United Lukaku was seeded, but turned into a beefy target player.
Romelu Lukaku: Performance data by team
| Team | Games | Goals / assists |
|---|---|---|
| FC Everton | 166 | 87/29 |
| RSC Anderlecht | 98 | 41/18 |
| Manchester United | 96 | 42/13 |
| Inter Milan | 95 | 64/16 |
| Belgium | 93 | 60/14 |
| West Bromwich | 38 | 17/7 |
| FC Chelsea | 15 | -/1 |
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Known strengths were lost through the increase in weight: the speed, the agility, the technical strength – according to his 1.91 meters and over 90kg.
Instead, Lukaku was made fun of for his poor first contact. He didn’t feel well anymore and moved to Inter Milan.
In his two Inter seasons he scored 23 league goals each time. But it wasn’t enough for the title of top scorer – Ciro Immobile was better the first time and this season Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more often than him.
But he could not console himself with the championship title, but also with the award of “Player of the Season in Serie A”.
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Romelu Lukaku on the way to the top scorer?
In Italy, people appreciate their unique skills. Likewise in the Belgian national team, especially coach Roberto Martinez. He already brought Lukaku to Everton.
In the national team, the striker hits at will anyway, with his 60 goals in 93 games he is by far the best goal-getter in his country.
The “Red Devils” are also hoping for his goals at the EURO – in the first game: Belgium – Russia is the game.
Both teams have already clashed in qualifying for this EURO. With 3: 1 and 4: 1 things were relatively clear. Lukaku was in the second leg and immediately delivered a goal and assist.
If he succeeds in that in the first game of this EURO, that would be a small step in the right direction. Because Lukaku has two big goals: European champion and top scorer.
Betting odds for:
Euro 2021 top scorer
Odds as of 06/11/2021, 10:00 a.m. Information provided without guarantee. 18+ | Note the terms and conditions!
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The title of the best goalscorer of the EM 2021 would probably bring Lukaku the recognition that he has earned hard with his achievements.
With the bookmakers the eternally underrated is very popular – with the Betting odds for the EM 2021 top scorer Lukaku is in the top field before the start of the tournament. Together with Lewandowski and Kane.
Now would be a good time to step out of their great shadows. And really to be the best.
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