The Belgian international was hailed as a prodigal striker during his time in Belgium, a label which earned him a move to Chelsea where he was expected to follow Didier Drogba's footsteps. He was unable to make a name for himself at Chelsea, but loan spells at West Brom and Everton proved that he did not lack talent. His good performances earned him a big money move to Everton but the big Belgian has failed to live up to the billing so far.
He is however not short of confidence and when asked whether he thinks he is better than Sergio Aguero, his response was a loud yes. Whereas some might take this as a form of arrogance, Lukaku has enough confidence in himself and declared that he is capable of doing well against a Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala partnership which has worked very well recently.
The 22 year old defined his idols which included the likes of Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero who he claims are the best strikers in the league. Lukaku further stresses that he has the attributes to be as good as them and is confident that he can produce the goods.
“If you want to be one of the best you have to look at the best,” explains Lukaku. “For me at the moment that’s men like Diego Costa and Agüero. Costa because he has that combatively. He terrorizes defences just with a look in his opponent’s eye. With Agüero he can run in behind, come to feet, hold the ball, dribble past a few players. That is what I like. You have to look at these players and think ‘What do you have that I don’t?’ and add it to your game. I have the potential but it has to come out."
It is worth mentioning that till December 2014, Lukaku and Aguero were neck to neck and there was not much to separate between the two. Since the 2012-13 season Lukaku had managed 38 goals and 11 assists in 79 appearances, compared to the Argentine's 43 goals and 11 assists in 67 appearances. However it must be born in mind that there is a vast difference between the age and experience of the two players. Keeping that in mind Lukaku has done very well.
Lukaku vs Sergio Aguero as of December 2014
However he lost ground on Sergio Aguero last season who went on to become the league's top scorer. The Belgian on the other hand did produce 20 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions but failed to have the kind of impact he was expected to have.
However the 22 year old has highlighted personal issues which contributed to that including his concern for his father's health as well as the distress which followed the death of his good friend and former Wolfsburg midfielder Junior Malanda.
Lukaku has however started this season brightly and will be looking to cover lost ground. His performance against Southampton was exceptional and would have done wonders for his confidence.
He will face Man City in a buoyant mood and will be eager to show his talents. However it must be stressed that he will be against a side which has started the season in impeccable fashion.
Sergio Aguero might have started the season on the bench but it did not take him long to open his account. He was on fire in the match against Chelsea and got rewarded with a goal.
Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala on the other hand have been rock solid at the heart of the defence and Lukaku will have to be at his level best to get the better of them.
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