Why didn't Lukaku work at Chelsea?

Try The Athletic for FREE for 30 days: www.theathletic.com/tifoirl
Romelu Lukaku’s first season back at Chelsea following a £100million move from Inter was lacklustre. With only a handful of goals to show for a big-money move, it looks like he might be heading back to Inter.
But why didn’t it work? Jon Mackenzie analyses the difference between Lukaku and Chelsea and Lukaku at Inter.
Follow Tifo Football:
Twitter: / tifofootball_
Facebook: / tifofootball
Instagram: / tifofootball_
Listen to the Tifo Football podcast:
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/TifoFootPod
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/06QIGhq...
About Tifo Football:
Tifo loves football. We create In-depth tactical, historical and geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game.
We know there’s an appetite for thoughtful, intelligent content. For stuff that makes the complicated simple.
We provide analysis on the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, World Cup and more.
Our podcasts interview some of the game’s leading figures. And our editorial covers football with depth and insight.
Founded in 2017 and became a part of The Athletic in 2020. For business inquiries, reach out to [e-mail].
Music sourced from epidemicsound.com
Additional footage sourced from freestockfootagearchive.com
#Lukaku #Chelsea #Inter

[@miguelrosado6348]

I am happy that Tifo exists to expand the conversation about why some players work and others don't, instead of the usual basic brainless conversations that supporters usually have.

[@stevencopeland1401]

It's nice raising a point that might not be the norm and NOT have someone say 'ratio'

[@Ricky2012Games]

still tho, the only point made for him not working out was being an alone striker and not having much freedom to carry the ball. But every player that transfers has to adapt. A €100M striker can't be one dimensional. The criticism I hear for Lukaku is more than fair tbh

[@jomcueto980]

@@Ricky2012Games not his fault chelsea paid 90m for him. As far as i know, tuchel didnt want him. Money cant make him magically adapt better.

[@LordSeth-hf8ew]

It's what I crave, most football fans have 0 tactical knowledge

[@ivangeorgievski854]

@@LordSeth-hf8ew most of them are small kids or pl fanboys

[@TheBlueGeezer]

It's no coincidence in my head that the wingbacks getting injured are also when his form went downhill (when he wasn't injured himself) and their return marked his upform. Also you didn't mention the upheaval of selling the club which had an impact on everyone.

[@apexsom5954]

All of that is fluff. There is 1 explanation and one only - Tuchel's ego. Lukaku was playing brilliantly and scoring even in such a horrid rigid style of football before Tuchel's ego destroyed him.

[@mariolisa2832]

@@apexsom5954 how was it Tuchel’s ego? Him not changing the system or not playing Lukaku? How does a man’s ego affect another man?

[@FootballPill]

This just shows the fine line between success and risk. If he didn't get that injury and the interview wasn't released. It might have been a different story entirely

[@princeetu8831]

I also think his last chance for redemption was stolen by the refs in the final of the Carabao Cup. He scored what would have been the winning goal, but it was wrongly ruled offside.

[@pabl0ser]

@@princeetu8831 those VAR lines are still the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen

[@VIVIHESS]

@@princeetu8831 Yes.

[@jimbobalo1]

I don't think that is what this video shows though. It shows that Chelsea's system didn't suit Lukaku's most elite trait; ball carrying. I do agree that the interview and injury didn't help, but surely the tactical differences played a much bigger part?

[@Itsgold123]

@@jimbobalo1 But Lukaku complained of doing much more and not having the strength fall back and then fall in, but at inter he did a lot tho on the wing, he did more ball carrying, more interchange, more dribbles...there's no excuse for a too striker, CFC were creating chances the season b4, lots of it and all Lukaku was brought 4 was to score, which is the job of a striker. And he did that for a while, Chelsea didn't change Thier style...if we should be honest, his body languages in several games showed a lack 9f interest...and u cant analyse emotions...I agree with the guy that said that interview was a big part.cos big ROM is a very emotional person

[@SoubhikMajumdar]

Love what Jon brings to the table at tifo. Quality and depth of analysis is so good.

[@ralphngwalla]

Made the transition without Alex seamless

[@idkjustchangingmyname7343]

@@ralphngwalla agreed. He’s been great. He even has a similar demeanor as Alex hahah

[@kaboodlefish]

Jon brings.. random nonsensical sentences like "showing you the generation of the chances that he's making". Tifo used to be an advert for the quality of the Athletic. Now it has people who can't string words together properly.

[@DucksCourage]

@@kaboodlefish that sentence... Makes sense?

[@kaboodlefish]

​@@DucksCourage It's horrific use of English. Jon tends to just throw random extra words in or invent new words instead of just communicating clearly.. which as a journalist is, you know, his entire job. "These metrics show you how he's generating chances" vs "these metrics show you the generation of the chances that he's making". There's huge missing pieces in this analysis as well. He says at chelsea lukaku came deep and haverts and mount ran beyond.. yet his progressive passing is 19 down from 55, and his xG creation is off a cliff. So, why does Lukaku attempt way fewer progressive passes with 2 players ahead of him than with 1 player along side him? That seems interesting, no? But Jon just says "lone striker things" and moves on. Great. So let me ask, what is the answer to the question that Jon poses and tried to answer? Why didn't lukaku work? We know he was very creative and also scored a lot at inter. Backed up by the xG charts. At Chelsea he wasnt.. and the closes we get to a "why" from Jon is a thrown away comment in the middle about receiving the ball in the air more. Jon's summary amounts to "8 goals, 1 assist isn't that bad" (it IS bad!) and something about "fine lines". This is bordering on non-content.

[@Spadge25]

Chelsea trying to play Lukaku like he’s Giroud.

[@efanferdiantowibowo9610]

I think its not about the lone striker thing. He also plays in 3-4-3 in belgium. Its about style of the play. Lukaku is a runner who excel at counter attack. Lot of his goals at inter came from counter attack. While tuchel likes to play possession ball.

[@AManCalledDutch]

100000% true. Same at Everton … he’s terrible playing with his back to goal as we saw at United. On the front foot he’s one of the best.

[@hb3393]

He did also have a few games in a front 2 with Werner and he was even worse

[@mumindanmallam]

Belgium's 3-4-3 is only that way on paper, Lukaku mostly ends up being the rightmost player of the front 3 on the heat map cause De Bryne who plays on the right most times ends up leading the press or in midfield as a 10 creating chances.

[@mumindanmallam]

@@hb3393 it's not about playing in a front 2, it's more about the role he is being asked to play. Bad at being a target man, Great at a running forward.

[@niklasoffermanns4225]

Same reason why haalnad wont excel at man city

[@ziphovena3604]

I would have appreciated if this included how many times The ball was passed to Lukaku during Build up and He lost it or was able to bring it under his control.

[@nidd0w614]

Not very often which is why he lost possession countless times. The service to him was horrendous

[@frankunodostres473]

the sad thing is you could see what he can do in the opening game against arsenal. he looked really capable. the fact that both wingbacks got injured plus the cursed interview put him in a place that he never recovered from. I'm happy he helped us win the club world cup but glad he is gone

[@goofy2676]

I m a chelsea fan but in that arsenal game most of their starting xi were missing Reality is Lukaku is always missing in important games against big clubs even at inter. Inter couldn't win UCL games against teams like shaktar and monchengladbach. They finished 4 in group stages with Lukaku and Conte.

[@Penaldian]

Lol when Chelsea beat Arsenal in August they had Alonso and Azpi as WB, same for when they lost 2-4 in April. Lakaka just doesn't have what it takes at Chelsea.

[@abdulraheem468]

Contes great in the league but not good in knockout competitions

[@frankunodostres473]

@@goofy2676 he looked like he was trying and he was dangerous. Compared to later when he looked lazy

[@goofy2676]

@@frankunodostres473 i was happy with Lukaku until that interview and his attitude after that interview. He stopped trying because of small rough patch and wanted to go back to inter not even completing 1 year. I hate his work ethic and professionalism. He caused alot of chaos in dressing room and he was part of the reason for average 21/22 season.

[@dan3695]

Really enjoying Sebs new accent and glasses

[@martytu20]

On another note, the Raptors hoodie is 🔥🔥

[@wandile.dlamini_]

In my opinion the game where Lukaku looked like he fitted in was the Villa game, he was actually carrying the ball and driving at players

[@yoditan]

Not a Chelsea fan but he looked promising at the beginning of the season and then having been injured and catching covid he came back and performed against Villa and things was looking better than the interview came out. Also it didn't help that Chillwell and James both got injured and that was kind of like cutting off his supply lines and it had a massive effect on Chelseas season.

[@diekop6204]

look at his habesha chick going. Go on, thats whats up.

[@eleonarcrimson858]

@@diekop6204 bruv ur weird

[@thisistheway7258]

I’m subscribed to both Tifo IRL and TALKSport, which is a surprisingly helpful way to appreciate the thorough and nuanced football analysis of Tifo compared to the ludicrously simplistic and stupid reactionary perspectives of large parts of the media. For example, the idea that Lukaku is lazy or describing “pressing” as “everyone just sprinting together at once”. Keep up the good work chaps and continue saving us from the purgatory of mainstream media.

[@cheangizzz]

Amazing performance from Jon a shame he had to kill the plants

[@wildmanofborneo6872]

Despite Lukaku not working, he was Chelsea top scorer in all competitions last season. I am not a data and tactical type of person, so I am not going to look at any of that stuff. But if he didn't fit into the coaching staff's system, I think the scouting team, coaching staff and the player are to blame. You don't buy a player for that much money if he can't fit into your setup/maybe adapt it to suit him. Give him another season to judge him better might have helped too.

[@hnaku8748]

Was working alright until the injury and interview.

[@saasda6255]

I agree but calling yourself world class yet limited by system that forces you to be technical is ridiculous

[@alexmanai1953]

I blame tuchel, he should have coached lukaku better, if he played under klopp or pep he wouldnt have failed (look at what conte did with him) bc these coaches care about the players they coach, tuchel doesnt he only cares about himself and nothing is ever his fault (look at all his past clubs they all hate him)

[@r3zaful]

@@alexmanai1953 he will be a massive failure if he play under pep and klopp they dont play a striker like lukaku.

[@paulpoldma20]

If he can't adapt to Tuchel style then you can't call a player like Lukaku world class. He's just bang average at that point. This child earns 325k a week but can't change his playing style? Yeah.... BANG AVERAGE.

[@PeterEhik]

This is exactly how I’ve felt about Lukaku’s season and that’s why it bothers me do much that we’ve just let him go back to Inter for one season like all that does is push the problem of properly integrating him into the team by one year. I feel like he could’ve had a much better season this year even without TT changing the system altogether. However imo that’s needed, our build up is slow and our midfielders take zero risk on the ball, I can’t really see many strikers succeeding at Chelsea with the way we play. I really hope for the best for both Lukaku and Chelsea but imo Lukaku can’t win now with the English fans/media. He’s gonna go to Inter and probably do well but everyone will say he just can’t cut it in the premier league and completely ignore all the context

[@asteri8638]

He’s on loan because of his super high wages vs poor performance..he has a bad attitude also

[@hnaku8748]

We can't help it if the player himself doesn't want it. I'm critical of TT for our overall offensive output, but Romelu didn't help himself too. Fired his agent and got a lawyer just to move back to Milan, tells you a lot.

[@limofootball]

A guy refused to play for the club and thought out a nove throughout the entire season but you blame the club for allowing him to leave?

[@dwhooley1158]

A great video folks! John is a great narrator and storyteller, Maram's graphics are amazing and, it seems kinds small, but the backdrop of the plants and the Jerseys make the videos more welcoming!

[@indrohari1908]

So basically Lukaku become a more of box player at Chelsea .. No surprise that he struggle, since imo Lukaku dont have a great movement on the box and his heading ability is not the best ..

[@benhall1741]

He's always been that kind of player, even back to his days at Everton. Pure raw, athletic footballer who drives at you and scores ridiculous goals. ...NOT a hang around in the box and get on the end of things type of player. Give him the ball and get out of the way. Chelsea didn't do that

[@heartthrobbb]

When the move was confirmed to Chelsea I thought thats the league wrapped up. This was after he just had an all timer season under Conte, carrying Lautaro and co on his back. Going to a team that plays pretty much the exact system. Imma blame Tuchel and and his lack of ability to coach a competent attack. Every forward has flopped/regressed under him. CHO, Werner, Havertz, Ziyech, Pulisic and now 100 million Lukaku. He's just not THAT guy. His system was so reliant on WINGBACKS ffs, that's hilarious. He's no Pep who can win the league b2b w/o a striker or klopp who makes his forwards superstars. Yes the defenders are better in England than Serie A but he was just so stiff, nothing was working. Whether Chelsea crossed the ball for headers or ball to feet, as a runner in behind, nothing worked. I remember Conte saying Tuchel doesn't know how to use Lukaku and he was right. But I think all both parties are to blame for this disaster.

[@kin0_0p_60]

I mean Chelsea has always had bad luck with forwards 💀 they can't score once they got to Chelsea no matter the manager

[@adamcetinkent]

@@kin0_0p_60 yeah, Drogba was rubbish

[@mariolisa2832]

@@adamcetinkent drogba was literally the only one

[@Timbone07]

@@mariolisa2832 Diego Costa was great too. The problem is buying strikers that don't suit their style of play

[@nickfury8973]

Dropping deep is not Lukaku’s favored trait. He likes to play facing the goal, not back to goal. That is why he is not the same type like Drogba. He has never been a targetman type even though his physicals say otherwise. He just doesn’t fit Chelsea’s system

[@joshbrown2217]

What also annoys me in this video is Jon saying that the biggest difference was at Inter he was getting the ball to feet and being able to carry it like, but completely ignoring the fact that at Chelsea he was also getting the ball to feet, but he kept losing the ball, hence why the graph they showed was seen as quite sparse Football explained described this being due to him not having isolations, although I suspect it's also due to defenders in the prem giving him less time to control the ball when it's played into him

[@musikdrengen02]

Same when he was at Manchester it was terrifying

[@Timbone07]

You keep ignoring that Lautaro was always close to him

[@alexmanai1953]

There is alot of hate out there for lukaku, but the truth is when you play him the right way he is deadly in the box, you know why ?? Cause people pass him the ball, players cross the ball to lukaku, But thomas fraud doesnt understand that, chelsea fans dont understand that.

[@leobestbote4244]

I discovered this channel like a month or two ago but I've watched a tonne of it's videos already and I'm enjoying them. This channel is super detailed and hits ryt at the spot. It has helped me deal with a lot of questions I had about footballing matters

[@glowwurm9365]

Weirdly Tuchel appears to have been trying to sign players who operate wide (Raphina plays extremely wide), Sterling and Gnarby. All of whom would have suited Lukaku as he would have had more space to operate in the middle. He probably would have had a better season this year if he had remained at the club.

[@Tom-qb1rj]

The XG going down was becadhe Chilwell and reece got injured. This also would have effected the way in which we build up, less use of the worse wingbacks and instead trough the middle, unlike the way inter build up with conte

[@AH-mp1fh]

I also found that Chelsea of two seasons ago and beginning of last season really rely on the wingbacks and wide forwards players being the goal scorers by arriving late or at the back post. The center forward role for Tuchel’s Chelsea is often a creator, not necessarily the player who will have a shot in goal. Just IMO

[@HaileyTheThird]

@@AH-mp1fh Very true, and that's also why Havertz often performs well in that position. Not necessarily scoring goals but creating a lot of chances.

[@RedCloudGawdian]

Also should be important to note that whilst he played as a lone striker at Everton, his best periods were when he had formed an excellent partnership with the no.10 originally Kevin Mirallas, then an even better one with Ross Barkley.

[@davidlean1060]

Is it not up to a manager to figure out how to get the best out of his very good striker? Does it not make his system self defeating? You point out in your video about Ten Hag that he tweeks his system to accomodate his players, shouldn't Tuchel be doing this rather than throwing Lukaku under the nearest bus?

[@mwenichibwa6147]

Thanks for shedding light on this and providing quality insight behind Lukaku’s struggles. I will maintain that he is a quality player he just seems to join big clubs in the premier league at wrong times. Hopefully he will be a success at Inter again and remind people of his quality

[@BKKLB]

Thank you John for not doing this mindless hot take nonsense. I tend to think that Romelu Lukaku is/ was getting hammmered by the Chelsea PR machine. Not saying that the interview with Sky Italia was a good idea, but he did have some prolific years. 68 goals for Everton, 28 goals for United. I tend to think on some level the Chelsea move destroyed his career.

[@karles7795]

Greaat videeooo i like how the new guy addressesssssss so many different areas

[@andrewgreen1021]

Can we get a video on how Tifo replaced Alex and rebuilt with Jon. The stats to show how he would slot seamlessly into the team and the recruitment and scouting network to find such a talent?

[@letokim7607]

Wow... your progression of the analysis is amazing 👏

[@LocoCocoPops]

It feels like it all went wrong when we lost Ben and Reece. We were absolutely flying, he was looking great. Then it all fell apart. The interview was a dirt move. Happy to see him go.

[@chapowthamac]

Regarding the graph showing the increased performance with Lukaku on the pitch. That was because Chelsea lost their wingbacks, the most important positions in attack for the squad. Correlation is not evidence of causation. Also Lukaku never dropped. My main problem with him was his lack of work rate defensively, unlike Werner. Although I do also think that delivery to Lukaku when he was in good positions was underwhelming.

[@ukimenustah26]

he got no service, since everybody,ziyech mount puilisic wants to score

[@yassersalem7992]

lol, He doesn't even want to be there, he only came for that 325k in weekly wages.

[@isaiahjalloh8152]

That excuse for him died out in December

[@jarunia17]

My favorite video on this channel in a while, great work🙏

[@Emang96]

If we don't take into consideration all the drama (and total loss of respect from Chelsea fans), it'd be nice to give him another shot to fully adapt and integrate into the system next season. I swear, the first few games of the season with a healthy squad and with (assist and goal machines) Chilwell and James bombing at the flanks to feed to Lukaku... that feeling (though briefly) was the exact same as when Liverpool, Man City or even peak Bayern do; exuding dominance and instilling fear as they attack.

[@TPW13]

Been clicking Tifo videos for a while but usually found myself getting a bit bored or not following what is being said, but lately the videos have been really good and easy to understand as well as good subjects so keep them coming! Great work Jon.

[@thomasloyens-drums]

Super interesting analysis! Thanks

[@J_daczkowski]

Just a reminder for everyone talking about mentality, it’s really tough to describe a non-tangible factor on a statistical/ analytical graph. This is a statistical analysis of the player rather than an analysis of his character

[@harryspooner]

Surprised with the aerial metrics. For most of the season it felt like Lukaku wasn't doing enough in the air. Would have to see the numbers

[@the_cloudywolf]

Top tier analysis as always from jon

[@johanpettersson-evers5367]

This was very good. Thank you!

[@rasheeqh9006]

Liked the video cause of the Raptors hoodie. Keep up the good work!

[@lprgeddes2017]

Obviously data needs to be placed in a larger context but the vast amount of data that Tifo uses to create a narrative, rather than fit to a narrative shows why their analysis is so good! Keep it up!

[@stevenhumam2589]

You don't seem nervous now, I rate 10/10 for the explanation, thank you

[@ethanpearson774]

This is amazing, Jon. Great analysis and wonderfully explained. What an addition to the Tifo team!

[@rooztube]

How are you not mentioning anything about his mentality?

[@jaredpereira8487]

Ayee love the Raptors gear!

[@akaizn]

Chelsea fan here. I appreciate the analysis. However, the images you show around the 6' mark are a bit misleading; perhaps a second image showing the last touch towards the goal would provide much more context to the plays. As I see it, Lukaku style of play did not much with Tuchel's system, which in the attack, consists most of: keeping the ball on the wings, press high and then attempt to score "somehow" . I am not a Lukaku fan, never was, but I agree with the sentiment that Tuchel did not know what to do with him. There are similar issues in our attack with other players that fans ignore because Lukaku was that much of a villain. I forsee similar issues in the upcoming season, even with him gone

[@princeetu8831]

I also think his last chance for redemption was stolen by the refs in the final of the Carabao Cup. He scored what would have been the winning goal, but it was wrongly ruled offside.

[@tletsoalo]

Brilliant video!

[@CABDICASIISFARXAANTECHNOLOGY]

Pls where did you get this Data ? Where i can get also ?

[@powermonger9090]

Awesome analysis. If only I could do this in FM as well 🙁

[@Mcphyhlus12]

Would be interested to see his belgium heatmap

[@simonwood6008]

Brilliant analysis. Bravo

[@frisavic]

Good analysis. I was wondering if you would want to chat about differences in tactics of Belgium and Chelsea. It appears that Lukaku plays in a 3 4 2 1(lone striker) at Belgium and he is effective in that tactical shape. Also, there are games that he played as a 2 man forward(3 5 2) in Chelsea. Can you unpack his performances when he played in a 3 5 2 versus 3 4 3 at chelsea?

[@joshbrown2217]

Something that was missed in this video, was that we did try Lukaku in a 2 man striker role with both Timo and Ziyech, it worked a little with Timo (but Lukaku was losing the ball a lot still and not linking up well) and with Ziyech (I think it was Ziyech) so you can't really say he struggled because he moved from a 3 man to a 2 man as he struggled in both

[@ultimateblaze23]

chelsea scap goated Lukaku for their garbage performances over decemebr then continued being trash with Hazertz

[@joshbrown2217]

@@ultimateblaze23 Lol only reactionary twitter fans did. The majority of us understood that with both James and Chilwell out, our whole system was disrupted as we don't have adequate back ups for them. Lukaku is catching heat though for very mediocre performances and seeming to give up after that interview.

[@godwinbrian808]

You guys need to say Something about Heung-Min SON and his evolution

[@shyam12860]

Jon is amazing!

[@hansjakobappel3716]

5:47 why was the ad in danish?

[@hughjorgen30]

The amount of data/stats available in modern football is mind bending. Anything and everything can be put on a graph/chart of some kind.

[@arcbee007]

Thank you for showing the Toronto Raptors some love Jon. Very excellent addition to the TIFO team. Great breakdown on Lukaku time with Chelsea.

[@adamu8]

Whoever thinks strikers in Serie A have more space to run into than in Premier League must be out of their mind. I'm a Serie A regular and whenever I tune into the Premier League I'm amazed with the amounts of free space left by the defenders. Fact is, in the Prem you have more space but less TIME, while in the Serie A it's the other way around. Completely different playstyles and only elite players (like Cristiano Ronaldo) managed to succeed in both.

[@brucemillar]

Lukaku didn’t work at Chelsea for the same reason he didn’t work at United and the same reason he left Everton, he has a HUGE EGO and considers himself bigger than the club, which of course is not the case for any player. I’m not knocking him as a player, in fact I rate him highly although he tends to be lazy when things aren’t going his way, but unless he is being lauded like a football god by all at whatever club is paying him and playing him how he likes positionally and tactically he can’t and will never perform to his full potential.

[@muhammadhanif4113]

In abramovich era only drogba and diego costa that worked in chelsea.

[@Valpo2004]

I don't think he was as bad on the pitch as people often claim he is. The interview killed the relationship between him and the coach so instead of being able to pick up form after being injured he was very quickly dumped for Havertz. Lukaku's body language when he did get on the pitch did him no favors with anyone. He has to go less because of his play and more because he burned bridges with Tuchel and with the fans.

[@mtandazomoyo7840]

Fantastic analysis

[@dhatroit]

Thought this was informative and fair!

[@vincenzovalvano]

04:40: Am I the only one buffled by the description of English and Italian football? English one with more compact defenses? In serie A multiple small teams play catenaccio style against bigger ones! (in fact you can se the examples of English football attacks, the "runs " in the spaces)

[@jurgenvolders6995]

Well it never has been a secret that first touch under pressure is Lukaku's weakness. So if you know that, why play a system where he is the linkup man? His strenght is running with the ball at a defence. I just don't get why you would spend all that money knowing you will not use his strenghts but expect his weakness just to magicly disappear... Seems coach and scouts did not talk/think this through.

[@oneoneday]

Great analysis there

[@azmilog]

love the raptors sweater:)

[@sollymadeit]

Great analysis

[@cavallodibattaglia980]

GREAT STUFF

[@MultiGoldone]

I honestly believe that Tuechel is the German version of Morenieho. Attacking and feeding the attackers is not a priority. Defense is the main priority.

[@TheJimmyryan]

Background lounge music song name?

[@793Rich]

The best football visualizations on the web

[@dubs31]

It would be applicable to consider how he plays with the Belgian national team (where I believe he also plays as a single-striker), and how that system has catered to him able to do a bit of the Inter freedom of the attacking right-half space and the typical target man role he was asked to do for Chelsea simultaneously...? Or is it simply '(Lukaku's) happiness is a warm KDB (delivering pin-point passes)' on your team? Also, and maybe more importantly: the mystery of the central wall art is revealed. Achievement unlocked.

[@DeMar0805]

The forwards with Belgium aren’t as close, so it give him more room to work with

[@tonyjabroni7205]

Ayyyye, nice shirt you got there🤙

[@JohnElcome]

Love the Toronto Raptors gear 🇨🇦

[@mesicek7]

I find it weird how nowadays everyone's making excuses for everything instead of just saying it as it is. NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE LEVEL REQUIRED. He was basically the same at UTD and even had similar performances at Inter - take away his penalties (15) and he has the same record as he had at UTD.

[@frenzy1225]

Lukaku is so fun to watch when he’s in form. A false nine who happens to be built like a semi truck. Glad he’s going back to where he’s appreciated

[@Station2podHost]

Nice hoodie

[@arvinddhaka376]

Plz bring back sensible transfer series.

[@scurnow875]

Lukaku isn't a false nine shoe horned in to the center of the field for the whole game like he was at Chelsea. At Inter he could roam wide to run in to spaces left by the wingbacks when they go forward. Just like he did at Everton. He failed at Chelsea because of Chelsea tactics and the inability of Lukaku to alter his play to be a Messi false nine. Conte was right when he said Chelsea don't know how to use him properly.

[@heelsellner]

the Raptors hoodie 🔥

[@littleninj0r]

Great video which will help me act smart in front of friends

[@KenAugustino]

Despite his physique, Lukaku is definitely not your quintessential "Center Forward"; stylistically, he is more Henry than Drogba. And you wouldn't want a Henry to spearhead a front three system. Man Utd made exactly the same mistake, and Chelsea didn't heap much advice from that episode of his.

[@stephenpalmer9375]

yeah, he isn't 'the big man up top' type - he's not great in the air, and isn't going to be that kind of hold up player. He's way better with the ball at his feet. I'd like some further analysis - why was he so good at West Brom, Everton and Inter - and deemed not as good at Man Utd and Chelsea (although in goal numbers he actually wasn't bad at either)

[@newrecruit100]

Yeah I but think that him and Havertz up top were effective in the few instances they were together. I didn’t think we would replicate the success he had at Inter but I thought he’d be good enough to take us to another level. Like averaging a goal every other game. With another season I thought he could’ve achieved that because he showed enough moments to be encouraged

[@KenAugustino]

@@stephenpalmer9375 My two-penny observation would be that: West Brom, Everton and Inter modus operandi is counter-attack / transition based: soak-up the pressure, play the ball to Lukaku's feet near the half-way line, and let him drive the final 35 yards. Inter plays like that and play there way to the championship and Conte's Spurs now is also a very transition-based team.

[@KenAugustino]

@@newrecruit100 Yeah, me as a Chelsea fan is a bit sadden by the whole sorry saga. Also if James and Chillwell were available for more of last campaign, the outcome maybe totally different. But seeing how eager Lukaku is (and Morata was too) to cut the lost and moved on upon a difficult first season, you have to question having another season would really yield anything more positive.

[@karumehuie1407]

What about crosses in the penalty box for both team

[@kalvinleogaviola8546]

He just doesnt fit tuchel's archetype 9. Lukaku wants to be the point man for attacking moves, usually the reciever of a brilliant cross or a through ball. Tuchel wants him to hold, and link up. Hes said over and over again he wants to score. Its like iniesta asking to go box to box. Midfielder but very different types.

[@lowersaxon]

I like Lukaku very much due to his outstanding Lord moments. Really awsome and still studied till the end of the century. Only Jones, Harry M. and Morata can compete concerning comedy football.

[@richardpatterson833]

There’s a reason he didn’t receive the ball to feet at Chelsea: he couldn’t control it under pressure.

[@krishnab.a2524]

He is still a good striker. He’s shorn of confidence for now. Every striker needs backing and confidence.

[@tfc91420]

Gained a whole new level of respect for Jon with that Raptors sweater.

[@mazlxm]

This shows, that tuchel didnt knew what to do with lukaku and after the interview, didnt wanted to shape the team around lukaku.😕

[@4bd1f1q0]

whoa a raptors sweater?? my worlds are colliding

[@aaaaaaa4750]

imagine buying a player for 120 m E, and using him in a system that doesn't suit him at all and only exploits his weaknesses.

[@darbleful]

11 minute video and not one mention of his off the ball/defensive work-rate which was terrible and a large part of the reason we won't miss him at all.

[@aydennewell61]

excellent excellent video

[@sarcasmpod]

Same issue with donny van de beek.... some players are just system players