Henry labels Everton’s Romelu Lukaku one of the game’s most improved players

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Romelu Lukaku has been in fine form for Everton this season.

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has said that Everton’s Romelu Lukaku is one of the most improved players in the game following a terrific 2015, The Sun reports.

The Belgium international striker notched 31 goals for the Toffees during the calendar year, the sort of goal-scoring form which illustrated exactly why the club broke their transfer record for his signature.

But it’s other aspects of his game which has impressed Henry most, and after a difficult opening period on Goodison the former Arsenal striker now feels that Lukaku is becoming the real deal.

“He is one of the most improved players in the game because although he has always had the ability to put the ball into the net, other aspects of his game were not so great,” Henry told The Sun.

“A few years ago his decision-making was not good enough. He was caught offside far too many times because he did not bend his runs and his link-up play wasn’t up to scratch.

“But he has been intelligent enough to work on those flaws and now he is close to becoming the real deal.”

As per the table provided by Opta Stats, Lukaku’s improvements over the past few years can be illustrated by his contributions in a number of key attacking areas.

Aside from scoring and assisting more on average this season, the Belgium international as vastly progressed other areas of his game and now plays a more pivotal role for his side.

Lukaku averages more shots on goal, key passes, successful take-ons and touches per Premier League fixture this season than in the two previous campaigns.

His talent and potential is undeniable, and it is now the job of Everton’s fellow players to match his ability and ensure the club challenges for Europe in order to retain his services beyond next summer.