One to Watch – Romelu Lukaku

Name: Romelu Lukaku

Date of Birth: 13/5/1993

Nationality: Belgium

Former Clubs: Anderlecht, Chelsea, West Brom

League Appearances (Goals): 164 (72)

International Appearances (Goals): 35 (8)

Stat of the Day: Romelu Lukaku`s total of 15 Premier League goals last season was the best by an Everton player since Yakubu netted 15 during the 2007/2008 campaign

Player Profile: Romelu Lukaku, the beast from Belgium, surprised everyone with his £28 million move to Everton over the summer. It would be unfair to say his decision was a backwards step in the striker`s career, but it is perhaps testament to Roberto Martinez and his project at Everton that the promising striker elected to move to his ‘perfect club` in Merseyside above a host of top European clubs. The powerhouse was tipped as the man to replace Didier Drogba at Chelsea, but a failed spell under Andre Villas-Boas as well as an outspoken dispute with Jose Mourinho saw Lukaku`s Chelsea dream take a downward spiral before his eventual move to Everton.

Whilst the striker`s talent has never been in doubt; his strength, technical ability and goalscoring prowess amongst the best in the Premier League, it is perhaps his consistency that has thwarted his chance at being recognised as the one of the top striker`s in world football. Roberto Martinez has already stated his belief Lukaku is the best choice in Europe as the much sought after ‘complete No. 9` and is confident the consistency the Belgian requires will see him rise to the best striker in the world. His pace and control under pressure is impeccable and with QPR failing to make any sort of impression away from home this season, the striker will be hoping to fill his boots on Monday evening.

Player History:

Born in Belgium, Romelu Lukaku joined his local side Rupel Boom at the age of five, before being scouted by Belgian Pro League side Lierse SK a few years later. Following Lierse`s relegation from the Pro League it was Anderlecht who swooped to sign the majority of their youth players, including Lukaku, who had already displayed his impressive goalscoring attributes in their youth teams.

Lukaku signed his first professional contract at the age of 16 in 2009 and made his Belgian First Division debut 11 days later. He finished his first professional season as top goalscorer in the Pro League with 15 goals as Anderlecht won their 30th Belgian title. The following campaign Lukaku bettered his goalscoring feat netting 20 goals in all competitions.

Chelsea fought hard and eventually won Lukaku`s signature as they signed the striker for £12 million in 2011. The Belgian struggled to make an impact early on in his Chelsea career as Andre Villas-Boas frequently left the striker out of Champions League and FA Cup squads. Lukaku wasn`t shy of voicing his opinion on his apparent mismanagement on a season during which he made just eight appearances.

The 2012/2013 season saw Lukaku make a loan switch to Premier League West Brom side where he flourished, netting an impressive 17 times in 35 appearances for the East-Midlands club. Following the return of Mourinho to Chelsea it looked as if Lukaku was set to play an integral role in Chelsea`s attempt at regaining the Premier League title the following season, but was rather suddenly loaned out to Everton for the season.

He again prospered at another Premier League club as he finished the season with 15 goals and 6 assists, leading Everton to a secured Europa League spot. In July 2014 Everton announced they had signed Lukaku on a permanent five-year deal, for a record fee of £28 million.