Many were doubtful regarding the £75 million price tag on Romelu Lukaku in the summer. After frustrating performances against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, Lukaku was labelled ‘a donkey’ and several awful comments were fired at him. The 24-year-old has approached 2018 a whole new figure, showing the fighting spirit to get back on top of his game, he has managed to score 13 goals and register 4 assists in 16 appearances since the the beginning of the year.
The Belgian found the back of the net within 5 minutes on Saturday to score his 100th Premier League goal, the youngest foreign player to reach the milestone at 24 years and 322 days old. Lukaku has now equalled his best ever season tally of 26 goals and is on course to record his new best. At the age of 24 to be Belgium’s all-time top scorer with 33 goals in 66 games is impressive to say the least, it’s scary to think how far he can go in his career. Only 7 players have managed to score 30 goals in a season for Manchester United, could Lukaku be the 8th?
Over the past few months, there has been a vast improvement in Lukaku’s overall play. His determination to improve and work hard has been immense resulting in a good run of form. Improvement in link-up and hold-up play has been hugely noticed across the United fan base, Lukaku loves to bully defenders whilst keeping possession. Things like his intelligence tend to go overlooked, Lukaku likes dropping into pockets of spaces enabling him to pick up the ball and driving forward to create opportunities for fellow teammates.
Lukaku has started to deliver a huge impact in games as well as the big top 6 games, the Belgian has bagged a goal in every FA Cup round this season. He played a crucial part in United’s victory over Chelsea after coming back from the a goal down. Lukaku pulled a goal back for United then went on to assist Jesse Lingard for his winner. Against Liverpool, Lukaku was a real handful for Dejan Lovren in the air flicking the ball on to Marcus Rashford who netted the opening goal. Following another David de Gea goal kick, Lukaku guided the ball down into his stride passing it into Juan Mata whose take on was intercepted only to end up in Rashford’s feet to smash home his second of the game.
An extremely disappointing exit from the Champions League against Sevilla had left United players and fans distraught, Lukaku was the first to face the media expressing himself with complete honesty. Following on from the next fixture where United progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup beating Brighton & Hove Albion, Lukaku was the last player to leave the pitch after he applauded the fans and then was the first to face the media once again. Rapidly becoming a fan favourite, showing real signs of a future leader.
It has been a delight to witness Lukaku’s passionate celebrations indicating his determination and desire for the team. He has been a quality addition to the side and will only go on to improve in the coming years. A certain shout for United’s Player Of The Year along with de Gea.
After a lot of uncertainty circulated during the first few months of his Manchester United career, it’s fair to say Romelu Lukaku has turned out to be a key figure in the Manchester United team. He is focused more than ever and is eager to win trophies. There is nothing more satisfying than Lukaku being on red hot form after all the criticism he’s faced.
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