Romelu Lukaku - Are we getting the best out him so far this season at Chelsea?

The signing of Romelu Lukaku in the summer was a real statement of intent from Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel to address the major issue we had last season - a lack of goals. Four months into the new season we have to ask ourselves the question “Are we getting the best out of him?”

The reason I say that is because of a quote he have recently before his current injury when he said that he isn’t a target man as such but a striker that likes to drop deep, collect the ball and then run directly at his opponent. Based on that statement alone it’s clear that Thomas Tuchel needs to make a note of that point because at certain times this season we have seen him play the complete opposite.

The Juventus game away from home in the Champions League is a perfect demonstration of how not to use him. In saying that, Chelsea’s approach that night with no tactical change when we needed to change the game baffled me. You would have been better off placing your bets at online casino au rather than bet on Chelsea and Lukaku that night it was that bad!

Romelu Lukaku was supported by Kai Havertz to work in tandem and create problems for their defence. The problem was that Juventus sat deep and ushered Chelsea onto them which we obliged unfortunately with Lukaku pushed right up against them. Their midfield dropped deep to support and close the space in front leaving us with nothing to work with and Lukaku couldn’t impact the game. 

On flip side there has been evidence early on in the season that we would play the way it suits him with Arsenal being a good example. Look at the goal he scored. He drops deep away from the defensive line to link up our play. He then lays the ball off, spins and is on his bike into the box to get on the end of a ball across the box to slot the ball home. That’s how Lukaku wants to play. That is what gets the best out of him. 

As with anything when we look at the current Chelsea squad, it's clear we have the ability and the strength in depth to carry forward a realistic challenge for the Premier League title and ALL the other competitions we are taking part in. Key to that success will be the goals and performances of Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea MUST come up with a plan moving forward to give him the platform to do exactly that but will that be a change in formation or stick to what we have? 

One thing is certain, we cannot get stuck in-game as we did against Manchester City and Juventus with no alternative solution. Timo Werner for me is as key as Lukaku is for Chelsea and his position playing either up alongside, next to or starting in-behind Lukaku up front could unlock the door to the goals we need for glory.