Last season’s outings once again proved Romelu Lukaku knows where the net is. The Belgium international netted 20 times in all competitions, this being in a season of, to put in bluntly, slow uneventful football.
But will this season be the one that finally makes ‘the special one’ regret selling the 22-year-old ?
Romelu Lukaku started his professional career at Anderlecht with an impressive goals record of 33 goals in 73 appearances. Rom the caught the eye of Chelsea’s scouts, who were convinced enough to give Andre Villas-Boas (then Chelsea manager) the go-ahead to part with around £18 million for his services in August 2011.
Lukaku arrived at the Bridge and found first team opportunities hard to come by. He was then shipped out on loan to West Bromwich Albion in 2012 to get a feel of first team football in the Premier League. This ended in a success as the front man finished his spell in the Black Country with 17 goals in 35 appearances. This included goals against teams such as Liverpool and a hat trick against Manchester United in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last game as a manager.
Lukaku during his loan spell at West Brom.
In the 2013/14 season Lukaku looked set to stay at Chelsea until he had his penalty saved by Manuel Neuer in the Uefa Super Cup, resulting in Chelsea losing the game.
Rom sealed a deadline day loan move to Everton which fill many an Everton fan with excitement, he repaid their support with 15 goals in 31 appearances. Roberto Martinez then saw fit to make the deal permanent which he did for a club record £28 million.
The penalty miss that effectively sealed his fate at Chelsea.
This weekend
The weekends fixture against his former employer is a great time for Lukaku to show them what they are missing out on. With the possibility of Lennon starting out wide causing problems with his infinite amount of pace and energy and Barkley seemingly back to his old self, it maybe the perfect time to do so.
MY PREDICTION: Everton (Lukaku) 1-1 Chelsea (Hazard)
