The new Didier Drogba? What Chelsea fans can actually expect from Romelu Lukaku

Published 14:54 18/08/11

Football Spy has signed up some of the web's top foreign football experts to provide you with first-hand information on the latest Premier League transfer targets. Here's The Belgian Waffle 's Chris Mayer on Anderlecht hot-shot Romelu Lukaku.

***

If you’ve kept tabs on the transfer gossip columns over the past year or so, you’ve undoubtedly seen the name Romelu Lukaku linked to just about every European giant going.

Anderlecht’s powerful striker scored 15 goals in his debut season while still aged just 16 years-old, and has already drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba for his style of play.

The youngster has now completed his switch to Chelsea , but what can Blues fans expect from the teenage starlet?

The first thing you notice about Lukaku is his extraordinary physique. The 6ft 3in hitman combines his strength with speed to devastate defences and crucially can provide the clinical finish in front of goal. In that debut 2009-10 season he was most impressive in the Europa League, startling centre-backs by winning any aerial duel with brute force, then turning them with his agility. They just didn’t know how to deal with him.

In the league, Anderlecht used Lukaku as a lone striker, often hoofing the ball long for him to finish the move with. His first season was a revelation, the striker averaging a goal a game while still being school. But he was less convincing the following year - mainly because Mbark Boussoufa, the team's main creator, left for Anzhi half-way through the season. Lukaku lacked service and times drifted out of games on the wing. He still managed 16 league goals though - clearly, nothing to be sniffed at.

It is clear that Romelu Lukaku possesses the physical attributes to succeed in the Premier League, but many observers fear that he lacks the technical skill to make it at the highest level. It’s fair to say that he can only go so far in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League and he needs to make the next step-up to fine-tune those elements of his game that are lacking.

Here lies the problem. Some feel that if Lukaku stays in Belgium, he won’t improve as a player with long-ball style tactics. However if he did move to a major Premier League side there's no guarantees he'd get much game time at a vital time in his development. A further stumbling block is the £20million Anderlecht want for their wonderkid. Clearly only a few select clubs are willing - or, indeed, able - to match that valuation.

Lukaku's father Roger, who was a professional footballer also, has done an excellent job in keeping his son's feet on the ground despite the impending superstardom and global media interest. He kept him focused on football and this was shown in his prolific goalscoring record in the academy.

Romelu has never hidden his true ambitions either. He is a devoted Chelsea fan, even citing Didier Drogba as his idol whilst growing up. He has balanced his schoolwork well with learning his craft, being fluent in English, French, Dutch and Congolese.

Lukaku is a raw diamond with huge potential that has yet to be untapped fully. Under new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, Lukaku could receive the tutelage that he so needs to further his career. The move is certainly a risk given his international record, with only two goals against Russia so far.

Lukaku could be the ideal replacement for Drogba in the long-run, but clearly Chelsea’s main issue lies in the midfield with Michael Essien out for the season. Some fans may already consider Daniel Sturridge more deserving of a run in the first-team, after impressing at Bolton.

But one thing is clear, Lukaku is committed to the Chelsea cause, and playing alongside his hero could be the ignition to a great career and not one of missed opportunities.

Follow Chris Mayer on Twitter.

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!