The Belgian forward has been linked with a move away, but how has he performed so far this season?
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
With the appointment of Dutchman, Ronald Koeman, expectation levels at Everton rose over the summer.
Following a string of impressive seasons at Southampton, Everton supporters were looking forward to a tough and clinical re-branding under Koeman, after a number of uninspiring seasons under Roberto Martinez. Koeman’s ability to get the most out of under-performing players, certainly made him seem like the right man to get the players like Romelu Lukaku going.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
Despite a highly disappointing season for Everton in 2015-16, Lukaku managed to find the net an impressive 25 times in 46 appearances. His quality is there for all to see, but the Belgian’s issue over the least year appeared to have been consistency. Koeman, renown for being a hard taskmaster, looked like the right kind of manager to start forcing the talent out of Lukaku, but how did his season start?
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku on the bench
Struggling with an injury, Lukaku didn’t actually make his first start for Everton until the end of August, in the Toffee’s 1-0 win over Stoke City. Koeman, who had been juggling formations during his first month in charge, switched back to Everton’s favoured 4-2-3-1 to suit Lukaku, but his early struggles with injury were proving to be a problem.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
However, September welcomed back a revitalised Lukaku, and against Sunderland, the Belgian smashed home an impressive hat-trick in the Toffee’s 0-3 win. Energetic, powerful and hungry for goals, Everton fans were finally treated to a glimpse of just how good the striker could be under the new manager.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku scores their third goal to complete his hat trick
Another impressive performance followed against Middlesbrough saw Lukaku net again. However, the month wasn’t going to go quite a smoothly as previous scorelines might have suggested.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates their third goal
Defeat to Bournemouth, followed by a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, highlighted an alarming dip in performances. It would seem, despite a promising start, that Koeman would need more time to get his team playing consistently. However, the Dutchman did seem to be getting the best out of Lukaku, as the Belgian netted his fifth goal of the season against Pardew’s Palace.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku in action with Crystal Palace’s Martin Kelly
October followed in a similar fashion, proving to be another inconsistent month for Everton, but a good month for Lukaku. The Belgian netted in the Toffee’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester City, as well as in their 2-0 home win against West Ham United.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku scores their first goal
The jury are still firmly out on Everton this season. After starting the month with a hammering from Chelsea, losing 5-0, the Toffees are still proving to be an inconsistent and unpredictable side. However, if Koeman can keep his team’s talisman performing, as he does appear to be, there’s no reason why the Grand Old Team can’t end up with a European place come the end of the season.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring
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