Thomas Tuchel insistent that Romelu Lukaku is an important player for Chelsea
Speaking in his pre-match press conference (h/t The Metro), Thomas Tuchel claimed that Romelu Lukaku remains an important player despite Chelsea flourishing without him.
The Blues re-signed the Belgian for £97.5million in the summer. He proved his importance in the opening games itself, bagging 4 goals in his first four starts. However, he then went goalless for seven consecutive games before picking up an injury against Malmo.
His absence has not stopped the influx of goals, with Chelsea scoring 21 in their last seven fixtures. However, the 28-year-old is now nearing a return from injury as he was also on the bench for the game against Juventus.
Building up to the Manchester United game, Tuchel was insistent that Lukaku is still an important member and squashed claims that if his side works better without the centre-forward.
“Maybe, we shine so brightly now because Romelu did the hard work before. He scored some very decisive goals for us already, to bring us in a position where the young players and other players can take over, step in and show their qualities.”
Tuchel went on to praise Lukaku’s contributions both on and off the field for Chelsea. Even when he is not playing, the Belgian adds much to the squad with his positivity and motivational abilities.
“We started strong, and we started the season with Romelu. The things he brings when he is in the dressing room, in the building, even when he is injured, he is every day here, positive, determined, he pushes everybody…He will be super, and he is actually, at the moment, very important..”
The key to the title race
Even though the Blues have been relentless without him, we shall always look like a better side with Lukaku available. Our draw against Burnley was precisely the kind of game the Belgian could have influenced. Chelsea created countless chances but could not put the game to bed.
Talent can not be kept down for long a nd we are certain that Lukaku will rediscover his scoring touch soon.
His performances against Arsenal and Liverpool are also a testament to it. He was the focal point against the Gunners as we whitewashed them 3-0. He caused all sorts of problems to the Anfield outfit’s backline despite Chelsea being down to 10-men.
We have needed Ben Chilwell and Reece James to turn into centre-forwards during his absence, and that is not a safe strategy to rely on, especially now that the left-back has picked up a long-term injury.
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Tuchel does appreciate that other players have stepped up recently, but one can see what he means when he talks about the importance of his No 9. The league title is going to be hard to win and the value of a premium striker like Lukaku is going to be key in the long run.