Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku claims people are wrong to label him a target man
Speaking in an interview to UEFA.com, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku claimed that people are wrong to reduce his role upfront to that of just being a target man, and insinuated that he is a complete striker.
The Belgian international was one of the biggest signings made this summer as he left Inter Milan to return to Stamford Bridge after 7 years in a big-money move.
He got off to a brilliant start in England with goals against Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Zenit St. Petersburg. His goal against the Gunners highlighted his awareness and positional sense in the box.
Lukaku’s brace against Aston Villa showcased his shooting, pace, and dribbling skills, while his header against the Russians in the UEFA Champions League group stage win showcased his aerial prowess.
And the former Manchester United and Everton striker himself claims that he hates being labelled a target man because that’s not the way he goes about his game.
“The way I’m built – I’m quite big – everybody thinks I’m a sort of target man: just holding up the ball and being a goal poacher. But I’ve never played that way and I hate it. My biggest strength is that I’m dangerous when I’m facing towards the goal because that’s when I rarely make wrong choices.”
The 28-year-old goal-getter then went on to add that he can do ‘a bit of everything’, which is not a wrong claim considering that he has recently showcased his array of skills at the top level under Antonio Conte in Serie A.
“After I pass the ball, I know where I have to position myself in the box. I can do a bit of everything and in some games when I know there is a lot of space behind the defence, I play differently. The reason I’m so productive [in front of goal] is because I can do a bit of everything.”
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Lukaku is now without a goal in 5 games but with the way that he plays, it’s not going to be long before he is back firing and amongst the goals. For now, his focus would be to help Belgium in their UEFA Nations League semi-final game against France during the international break.