Martinez: 'Lukaku underappreciated'

By Football Italia staff

Inter striker Romelu Lukaku “hasn’t been appreciated in the British game,” argues Belgium Coach Roberto Martinez.

The 26-year-old scored on his Serie A debut in a 4-0 victory over Lecce, having left Manchester United for €65m plus bonuses.

He had been in the Premier League since 2011 at Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Everton and from 2017 Old Trafford.

“Romelu hasn't been appreciated for most of the time he's been in the British game,” Martinez told the Daily Mail.

“And the reason is very clear. Everyone analyses what he hasn't got as a No 9. Everyone wants to tell him the first touch should be better, that he should be stronger in the air, that he needs to make more room.

“But what they miss is his outstanding trade as a goalscorer. Look at his stats. He is one of the most significant scorers at his age.

“Like any player, if you are going to highlight the things they don't do well, you wouldn't get the feeling of a good player. But in Romelu's case, he's always been a top goalscorer.”

Lukaku scored 113 goals in 252 Premier League matches, but his record at international level for Belgium is truly remarkable, with 48 in 81 caps.

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