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Tag: lukaku

  • Manchester United’s dip in form made it tough for me to score – Lukaku

    Manchester United’s dip in form made it tough for me to score – Lukaku

    Striker Romelu Lukaku believes his recent goal drought at Manchester United resulted from the club not playing at the level they did at the start of the English Premier League season.

    The 24-year-old has scored seven goals from 11 league games but has failed to find the net in the last four.

    United, who have lost two of their last three matches, have dropped to second in the table, eight points below runaway leaders Manchester City.

    Lukaku struck a brace for Belgium in Friday’s 3-3 draw in the friendly against Mexico.

    He has gone on to say he hoped to regain his scoring touch to help his club catch up with the leaders.

    “We started by blowing teams away, being dominant and creating chances. But in the last few weeks, we didn’t play at the same level and that made it more difficult for me,” Lukaku told Sky Sports.

    “That’s the sort of thing you have to go through in the season. But now there are players coming back from injury and hopefully we can deliver performances even better than at the start of the season. We can create more chances and goals.”

    Lukaku said the return of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic from injury will motivate him to do even better.

    The Swede is currently working his way towards regaining full fitness after suffering a knee injury last season.

    “It motivates me really because he’s another good player to add to the squad… When you face a team like us, it’s difficult for opponents,” Lukaku said.

    “Ibrahimovic coming back will help us to chase Manchester City (in the title race).”

    Lukaku’s brace in Brussels took his international tally to 30 goals to match Bernard Voorhoof and Paul van Himst.

    He can overtake them when Belgium face Japan in a friendly on Tuesday.

    “I feel great… I was born to score,” added Lukaku. “I don’t think many strikers of my generation have as many goals as me. I am like a leopard in the box.”

    NAN

  • Lukaku criticism baffles Mourinho

    Lukaku criticism baffles Mourinho

    Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho has asked club fans to support striker Romelu Lukaku, saying the Belgium international has been subjected to unfair criticism.

    After scoring seven goals in as many league games, Lukaku has not scored in the following three matches and his fading goal scoring exploits, along with his underwhelming record in big games has been criticised.

    Mourinho reckoned Lukaku deserved more support after an assist in each of his last two league games, the most recent of which led to the winning goal in last Saturday’s 1-0 victory over third-placed Tottenham.

    “I would like the supporters to explain to me why they don’t support him so much.

    “Because he gives everything and I think it is not fair when scoring the goal or not scoring the goal (he) makes the whole difference,” Mourinho told the club’s website.

    “I don’t think it is fair at all. So, I‘m a bit disappointed – but not with him. With him (I am) very pleased.”

    Mourinho’s decision to withdraw Marcus Rashford, rather than Lukaku, for Anthony Martial in the 70th minute against Spurs attracted loud boos from the Old Trafford faithful.

    The Portuguese boss responded to critics by holding a finger to his lips after the final whistle, but was puzzled by the fans’ dissent.

    “I really don’t understand some reactions why, “Mourinho added. ”Are they Red Devils? Sometimes I don’t know because they (Lukaku and Martial) work amazingly well.

    “Sometimes he (Martial) starts the match and his contribution is good… the same as Rashford, the same as Lukaku.”

    Mourinho said defender Marcos Rojo was likely to return from his long-term knee injury after the November international break, but set no return date for midfielder Paul Pogba, who injured his hamstring last month.

    United trail local rivals Manchester City by five points at the top of the league table and host Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday followed by a league trip to fourth-placed Chelsea on Sunday.

    NAN

  • No rest yet for Lukaku, Mourinho says

    No rest yet for Lukaku, Mourinho says

    Romelu Lukaku has started all of Manchester United’s games in the Premier League and Champions League but the Belgian striker cannot expect a break just yet, manager Jose Mourinho has said.

    Lukaku has hit the ground running since signing from Everton in the off-season with six league goals in as many games.

    He has also netted three times in European competitions as United have barely missed the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

    Mourinho, who hailed Lukaku’s development since last working with the player during their time at Chelsea, said Lukaku must continue leading United’s line until Ibrahimovic’s return.

    “Without Zlatan, we cannot rotate the striker, especially because Marcus Rashford is playing also in other positions,” Mourinho told the club’s website (www.manutd.com).

    “So, until the moment we have Zlatan, we cannot think about giving rest to our number nine, the same way we give (rest) in other positions. We cannot do that.”

    Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals in 46 appearances for the club last season but injured his knee ligament in the 2-1 Europa League win over Anderlecht in May.

    The 35-year-old signed a one-year contract in the close season after surgery, but is not expected to return before the end of the year

    The Portuguese manager said Lukaku had taken his opportunities well.

    “I don’t want to speak about this progress. If I do that, it looks like we did something extraordinary in three months that he doesn’t have in the remaining years of his career,” said Mourinho.

    “I don’t think it’s fair. It’s just a global evolution; I think every step in his career, he got it, grabbed it with both hands.

    “It was always his dream to come to this level and since he’s arrived, I don’t think he thinks another thing other than success.”

    The manager said Lukaku was coping well with the pressure of playing for the 20-times league champions.

    United, who are on 16 points from six games on the back of Lukaku’s fine finishing, host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.(Reuters/NAN)

  • Valencia Scores Screamer in Man United 4-0 Everton Win

    Valencia Scores Screamer in Man United 4-0 Everton Win

    Antonio Valencia scored a stunning goal in the Manchester United 4-0 win against Everton on Sunday.

    United took the lead when Antonio Valencia produced a superb strike from the edge of the area on four minutes, connecting with Nemanja Matic’s pass on the bounce to power the ball past Jordan Pickford.

    They should have doubled their lead on 26 minutes, but Lukaku somehow missed the target from close range.

    Wayne Rooney, returning to Old Trafford, threatened an equaliser in the first half when he dragged a shot wide, and he forced David De Gea into a save soon after the break.

    They went close again just after the hour mark when Gylfi Sigurdsson got an effort away from close range, but De Gea was again equal to it.

    Juan Mata then won a free kick on the edge of the area and stepped up to rattle the post.

    United eventually increased the lead in the 83rd minute, shortly after Rooney had been substituted, as Lukaku set up Henrikh Mkhitaryan to slot home.

    Lukaku was able to add his name to the scoresheet in the 90th minute when the ball came back into his path after he had struck a free kick into the wall.

    Substitute Anthony Martial then added a fourth from the penalty spot after Morgan Schneiderlin’s handball to give United an equal record to league leaders Manchester City.

    • Martial converted from the spot to give Manchester united the 4-0 lead at full time.
    • Lukaku scored the third goal for Manchester United in the 89th minute.
    • Mkhitaryan scored the second goal in the 83rd minutes.
    • Antonio Valencial scored the first goal.

    Kick off time; 4pm

    Before the match all eyes were on Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku as they returned to their respective previous clubs in the Manchester united and Everton Match.

    Rooney returned to the  Old Trafford for the first time this season while Romelu Lukaku, leading scorer for United this season, faced his former club for the first time.

    On the surface, it would be an easy outing for Manchester United as Everton have won just one out of four matches in the league and United have been extremely convincing.

    However for the Red Devils, a notable absentee is Paul Pogba who is out with an injury for the next few weeks.

    Everton was defeated by Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea after managing to draw against Manchester City 1-1. United, on the other hand, started the season brilliantly with three wins before a surprise draw against Stoke City last weekend.

    Everton outscored a United that were all too obstructed in attack last season, only for Jose Mourinho’s team to suddenly become so fluent just as Ronald Koeman’s become so painfully slow. As the focal points of their teams, it would be impossible not to focus on Rooney and Lukaku in this regard.

    For one thing, Rooney has actually been one of Everton’s few sources of sharpness this season. One of the reasons for that is evidently his personal response to the obvious blow to the ego that getting dropped and discarded by United was.

  • THE 100 MOST EXPENSIVE FOOTBALL TRANSFERS OF ALL TIME

    THE 100 MOST EXPENSIVE FOOTBALL TRANSFERS OF ALL TIME

    Romelu Lukaku has just joined Man Utd for a massive €84.8 million, so where does the Belgium forward rank among the costliest players in history?

    Romelu Lukaku has completed his transfer from Everton to Manchester United for a fee of €85 million, making him the most expensive transfer of the summer so far.

    However, the Belgium forward is still only 6th on the list of the biggest transfers in football history, which, of course, is still topped by his new team-mate Paul Pogba, who made a record-breaking €105m switch from Juventus to United last summer.

    Pos. Player Clubs Year Fee
    1 Paul Pogba Juventus – Manchester United 2016 €105m
    2 Gareth Bale Tottenham – Real Madrid 2013 €100.8m
    3 Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United – Real Madrid 2009 €94m
    4 Gonzalo Higuain Napoli – Juventus 2016 €90m
    5 Neymar Santos – Barcelona 2013 €86.2m
    6 Romelu Lukaku Everton – Manchester United 2017 €84.8m
    7 Luis Suarez Liverpool – Barcelona 2014 €82.3m
    8 James Rodriguez Monaco – Real Madrid 2014 €80m
    9 Zinedine Zidane Juventus – Real Madrid 2001 €77.5m
    10 Kevin De Bruyne Wolfsburg – Manchester City 2015 €75m
    11 Angel Di Maria Real Madrid – Manchester United 2014 €74.6m
    12 Zlatan Ibrahimovic Inter – Barcelona 2009 €69.5m
    13 Raheem Sterling Liverpool – Manchester City 2015 €69.1m
    14 Kaka AC Milan – Real Madrid 2009 €65m
    15 Edinson Cavani Napoli- PSG 2013 €64.5m
    16 David Luiz Chelsea – PSG 2014 €62m
    17 Angel Di Maria Manchester United – PSG 2015 €61.6m
    18 Oscar Chelsea – Shanghai SIPG 2016 €60.3m
    19 Luis Figo Barcelona – Real Madrid 2000 €60m
    20 Fernando Torres Liverpool – Chelsea 2011 €59m
    21 Hulk Zenit – Shanghai SIPG 2016 €58.6m
    22 John Stones Everton – Manchester City 2016 €58m
    23 Hernan Crespo Parma – Lazio 2000 €56m
    24 Alexandre Lacazette Lyon – Arsenal 2017 €52.4m
    25 Gianluigi Buffon Parma – Juventus 2001 €52m
    26 Eliaquim Mangala Valencia – Manchester City 2014 €51.7m
    =27 Alex Teixeira Shakhtar Dontesk – Jiangsu Suning 2016 €50m
    =27 Bernardo Silva Monaco – Manchester City 2017 €50m
    29 Anthony Martial Monaco – Manchester United 2015 €49.3m
    30 Christian Vieri Lazio – Inter 1999 €49m
    31 Gaizka Mendieta Valencia – Lazio 2001 €48m
    32 Mesut Ozil Real Madrid – Arsenal 2013 €47m
    =33 Rio Ferdinand Leeds – Manchester United 2002 €46m
    =33 Ronaldo Inter – Real Madrid 2002 €46m
    =33 Juan Mata Chelsea – Manchester United 2014 €46m
    36 Christian Benteke Aston Villa – Liverpool 2015 €45.8m
    =37 James Rodriguez Porto – Monaco 2013 €45m
    =37 Joao Mario Sporting CP – Inter 2016 €45m
    =37 Granit Xhaka Borussia Monchengladbach – Arsenal 2016 €45m
    40 Leroy Sane Schalke – Manchester City 2016 €43.9m
    41 Andriy Shevchenko AC Milan – Chelsea 2006 €43.3m
    =42 Robinho Real Madrid – Manchester City 2008 €43m
    =42 Radamel Falcao Atletico Madrid – Monaco 2013 €43m
    44 Juan Sebastian Veron Lazio – Manchester United 2001 €42.6m
    45 Alexis Sanchez Barcelona – Arsenal 2014 €42.5m
    46 Rui Costa Fiorentina – AC Milan 2001 €42m
    =47 Javier Pastore Palermo – PSG 2011 €42m
    =47 Thiago Silva AC Milan – PSG 2012 €42m
    =47 Jackson Martinez Atletico Madrid – Guangzhou Evergrande 2016 €42m
    =47 Henrikh Mkhitaryan Borussia Dortmund – Manchester United 2016 €42m
    =47 Mohamed Salah Roma – Liverpool 2017 €42m
    =52 Lilian Thuram Parma – Juventus 2001 €41.5m
    =52 Corentin Tolisso Lyon – Bayern Munich 2017 €41.5m
    54 Andy Carroll Newcastle – Liverpool 2011 €41.3m
    =55 Pavel Nedved Lazio – Juventus 2001 €41.2m
    =55 Shkodran Mustafi Valencia – Arsenal 2016 €41.2m
    =55 Sadio Mane Southampton – Liverpool 2016 €41.2m
    58 Roberto Firmino Hoffenheim – Liverpool 2015 €41m
    =59 Marc Overmars Arsenal – Barcelona 2001 €41m
    =59 David Villa Valencia – Barcelona 2010 €40m
    =59 Sergio Aguero Atletico Madrid – Manchester City 2011 €40m
    =59 Radamel Falcao Porto – Atletico Madrid 2011 €40m
    =59 Hulk Porto – Zenit 2012 €40m
    =59 Axel Witsel Benfica – Zenit 2012 €40m
    =59 Javi Martinez Athletic Club – Bayern Munich 2012 €40m
    =59 Eden Hazard Lille – Chelsea 2012 €40m
    =59 Fernandinho Shakhtar Donetsk – Manchester City 2013 €40m
    =59 Ederson Benfica – Manchester City 2017 €40m
    69 David Luiz PSG – Chelsea 2016 €39.6m
    =70 Michy Batshuayi Marseille – Chelsea 2016 €39m
    =70 Antonio Rudiger Roma – Chelsea 2017 €39m
    72 Didier Drogba Marseille – Chelsea 2004 €38.5m
    =73 Michael Essien Lyon – Chelsea 2005 €38m
    =73 Fernando Torres Atletico Madrid – Liverpool 2007 €38m
    =73 Dimitar Berbatov Tottenham – Manchester United 2008 €38m
    =73 Gonzalo Higuain Real Madrid – Napoli 2013 €38m
    =73 Diego Costa Atletico Madrid – Chelsea 2014 €38m
    =73 Eric Bailly Villarreal – Manchester United 2016 €38m
    =73 Mats Hummels Borussia Dortmund – Bayern Munich 2016 €38m
    =73 Andre Silva Porto – AC Milan 2017 €38m
    =81 David Beckham Manchester United – Real Madrid 2003 €37.5m
    =81 Luke Shaw Southampton – Manchester United 2014 €37.5m
    83 Jackson Martinez Porto – Atletico Madrid 2015 €37.1m
    =84 Filippo Inzaghi Juventus – AC Milan 2001 €37m
    =84 Wayne Rooney Everton – Manchester United 2004 €37m
    =84 Edin Dzeko Wolfsburg – Manchester City 2010 €37m
    =84 Mario Gotze Borussia Dortmund – Bayern Munich 2013 €37m
    =84 Arturo Vidal Juventus – Bayern Munich 2015 €37m
    =89 Hernan Crespo Lazio – Inter 2002 €36m
    =89 Arjen Robben Chelsea – Real Madrid 2007 €36m
    =89 Ander Herrera Athletic Club – Manchester United 2014 €36m
    92 Javier Saviola River Plate – Barcelona 2001 €35.9m
    93 N’Golo Kante Leicester City 2016 €35.8m
    =94 Dani Alves Sevilla – Barcelona 2008 €35.5m
    =94 Willian Anzhi – Chelsea 2013 €35.5m
    =96 Xabi Alonso Liverpool – Real Madrid 2009 €35.4m
    =96 Romelu Lukaku Chelsea – Everton 2014 €35.4m
    =98 Nicolas Anelka Arsenal – Real Madrid 1999 €35m
    =98 Karim Benzema Lyon – Real Madrid 2009 €35m
    =98 Willian Shakhtar Donetsk – Anzhi 2013 €35m
    =98 Andre Gomes Valencia – Barcelona 2016 €35m
    =98 Moussa Sissoko Newcastle – Tottenham 2016 €35m
    =98 Renato Sanches Benfica – Bayern Munich 2016 €35m
    =98 Julian Draxler Wolfsburg – PSG 2017 €35m
    =98 Victor Lindelof Benfica – Manchester United 2017 €35m

    THE MOST EXPENSIVE BRITISH PLAYER

    Gareth Bale Perez Real Madrid

    As illustrated above, while Pogba’s return to Old Trafford saw Gareth Bale slip to second in the all-time standings, the Wales international remains the most expensive British player of all time, thanks to his €100.8m move to Real Madrid in 2013.

    The costliest English player in history, incidentally, is Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, who joined from Liverpool in 2015 for €69.1m.

    THE MOST EXPENSIVE TEENAGER

    Anthony Martial Manchester United

    Sterling was 20 when he arrived at the Etihad but Anthony Martial was still only 19 when he became the most expensive teenager in history by joining City’s cross-town rivals United in 2015 for €49.3m.

    However, another Monaco starlet, Kylian Mbappe, would shatter that record if he were to move this summer or next, given the France forward does not turn 20 until December 2018.

    THE MOST EXPENSIVE DEFENDER

    David Luiz PSG

    City also nearly made John Stones the most expensive defender of all time when they paid Everton €58m for the centre-half’s services shortly after the arrival of Pep Guardiola as coach last summer.

    However, that particular title belongs to Brazil international David Luiz, who moved from Chelsea to PSG for €62m in 2014 only to then return to Stamford Bridge two years later for €39.4m.

    THE MOST EXPENSIVE GOALKEEPER

    Gianluigi Buffon Juventus

    City also nearly made history with Ederson, who joined from Benfica for a whopping €40m, but Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon remains the most expensive goalkeeper ever – 16 years after he joined from Parma for €52m.

    The Italy icon looks set to hold on to that particular title for a while yet but it only seems like a matter of time before Pogba loses his crown as the most expensive player in the world.

    THE BIGGEST TRANSFER OUTSIDE OF EUROPE

    Oscar Shanghai SIPG

    Indeed, with Borussia Dortmund striker Aubameyang having been linked with a move to the Chinese Super League, we may even see a non-European club break the transfer fee world record for the first time.

    As it stands, the most a non-European club has ever paid for a player is €60.3m, which Shanghai SIPG handed over to Chelsea for Brazil midfielder Oscar last year.

  • Rooney, Lukaku undergo medicals ahead of big-money club switch

    Rooney, Lukaku undergo medicals ahead of big-money club switch

    Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku last night underwent medicals to trade clubs next season between Everton and Manchester United.

    Although ostensibly separate, negotiations have been eased by the mutual interest in deals that have seen Rooney permitted a return to his boyhood club on a free transfer and United paying £75 million for Lukaku.

    The medicals were happening almost simultaneously yesterday, with Lukaku in Los Angeles before United’s pre-season tour to the United States despite Chelsea’s late attempts to salvage a deal and Rooney making what must have been a hugely emotional return to Everton and their Finch Farm training base.

    Rooney is United’s record goal scorer and has achieved club-legend status in 13 largely successful years in which he has won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Champions League and the FA Cup.

    United took the step early yesterday of announcing that a fee had been agreed with Everton for Lukaku and were sufficiently confident to add that a “further announcement” would be made in due course. Paul Pogba, who United spent £89 million on signing from Juventus last summer, also said on social media that he would see Lukaku, with whom he has been holidaying, at training in the morning.

    Chelsea had made an offer that would match both the transfer fee and wages but it is understood that United were willing to pay Lukaku’s agent, Mino Raiola, significantly more. Lukaku had been the top transfer target of Chelsea manager Antonio Conte but is now preparing to be reunited with Jose Mourinho, who sold him to Everton from Chelsea for £28 million in 2014.

     

    Lukaku has scored 104 goals over the past five years in English football, including 25 in the Premier League last season, and United have been chasing him for most of the summer.

    Rooney has scored 72 goals in that same period for United, with last season’s Premier League tally of five representing the lowest of his 15 years in the top flight, including his 2002-03 breakthrough season at Everton when he was just 16. Rooney has wanted more regular football while Lukaku refused the offer of a new contract at Everton and wanted to play in the Champions League.

    There were also reports yesterday that Lukaku had been given what was described as “a citation” while on holiday in Beverly Hills over persistent noise during a party last weekend. He was not, said the report, taken to the police station or formally booked and a spokesperson for the Beverly Hills Police Department said there would be more information in the coming days. Neither Manchester United nor Everton have made any comment on the report.

  • Lukaku can get the goals to nail Liverpool—Osman

    leon Osman believes Romelu Lukaku can fire Everton above Liverpool this season.

    Everton splashed out £28million on the striker who was on loan at Goodison Park last season and Osman believes the signing can boost the Toffees this season.

    Roberto Martinez’s side just missed out on a Champions League spot last season finishing fifth.

    But Osman – who celebrates over a decade at Goodison Park with a testimonial against Porto on Sunday – says Everton have shown real ambition this summer.

    Speaking in the Daily Star Sunday, Osman said: ‘Signing Romelu is absolutely great news and, yes, we can ?nish higher than Liverpool. It’s going to be dif?cult though.

    ‘Liverpool have strengthened but so have Everton. We both have extra commitments with Europe this year but we aim to ?nish above them every season.

    ‘It’s great that the club have shown their ambitions going forward.

    ‘Seamus and Ross have signed deals as well and our young and up-and-coming players, are committing to the club.

    ‘We’ve got to repeat what we managed to do last season.’

  • Pocognoli: Lukaku inspired WBA switch

    Pocognoli: Lukaku inspired WBA switch

    belgian left-back Sebastien Pocognoli said he was convinced to join West Brom after consulting compatriot Romelu Lukaku.

    Pocognoli arrived at The Hawthorns on a three-year deal from Bundesliga outfit Hannover, where he spent just over a year having moved to Germany in January 2013.

    The 26-year-old – capped 12 times by the national team – is the first Belgian to play for West Brom since Lukaku, who scored 17 goals during an impressive season-long loan from Chelsea in 2012-13.

    Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Pocognoli said Lukaku was one of the reasons behind his decision to leave the city of Hanover for the West Midlands in England.

    “I follow the Premier League so I know West Brom is a good club,” said Pocognoli, who missed out on selection for the FIFA World Cup after an injury-interrupted season.

    “My mate Romelu Lukaku played here before so I know a little bit about the club, the history. It’s a good club, with a good image and for me it’s exciting.

    “I spoke to Romelu. He gave me the best opinion on the club. He was very positive and said to me that if I have the opportunity to go there then I should take it.

    “His experience here was great. He scored a lot of goals, his relationship with the supporters was very good too.

    “I received a great welcome from the group, the trainer and the staff.”

  • Lukaku: I don’t understand why Ozil left Real Madrid for Arsenal

    Lukaku: I don’t understand why Ozil left Real Madrid for Arsenal

    The Germany international has been criticised for his performances since the record-breaking move from Real Madrid, with below-par displays continuing into the World Cup

    Romelu Lukaku has questioned Mesut Ozil’s decision to leave Real Madrid for Arsenal in a playful dig on Twitter.

    Arsene Wenger brought the Germany international to the Emirates Stadium last summer, smashing the club’s transfer record with a €53 million move.

    After starting strongly at Arsenal, Ozil’s form in the Premier League came under the microscope and he has again been criticised for below-par displays in Brazil.

    The 25-year-old was one of Germany’s poorest performers as Joachim Low’s side stunned hosts Brazil in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday and Lukaku has jokingly questioned Real Madrid’s reasons for selling him.

    No dissrespect to Arsenal who is also a big club but i don’t understand why ozil has left real madrid…. I guess will never know..

    Lukaku was also the subject of criticism at the World Cup and lost his place in Belgium’s starting line-up to 19-year-old Lille striker Divock Origi, but did play a key role as Marc Wilmots’ side beat USA in the last-16.

  • Osaze, Lukaku commend coach

    Osaze, Lukaku commend coach

    Out-of-favour Super Eagle Peter Osaze Odemwingie and his West Brom team mate Romelu Lukaku have heaped praises on head coach Steve Clarke for his visionary efforts in building a strong team that can now challenge for continental competitions.

    WBA are playing as a side well-tuned to their style throughout with energetic forwards Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie offering mobility along the front line. Right from the outset Odemwingie said he was impressed with Clarke’s outlook, emboldened by the Scot’s drive to look upwards in the league rather than prioritise mere survival.

    “When I heard his ambitions for the season it was pleasing. He worked under big-name coaches so we knew he couldn’t be affected by those big-name coaches who want to win things. He said the goal was to build on our organisation and to almost double the number of passes that we make in every game. That was one of the targets. That helps you recover faster and create more chances,” Osaze stated.

    Romelu Lukaku, a 19-year-old loanee from Chelsea who has been a superb addition to the side providing a daunting and powerful focal point for their attack is also feeling the benefits of working under Clarke.

    “I have a head coach who wanted me from the beginning of the season and I have a great rapport with him. He’s not scared to put me on the bench even if I played well in the game before.

    “It’s really good to have a head coach that is challenging me mentally and I like that because great players can always respond to that and hopefully I can be a great player in the future,” Lukaku added.