Tuchel isn’t convinced
Romelu Lukaku’s fall from hero to zero was once again made perfectly clear on Sunday, during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Everton in the Premier League. After starting on the bench, the Belgium international could have been the perfect second-half substitute to provide a late equaliser for Thomas Tuchel’s side. But the German manager instead preferred other options on his bench.
Following Richarlison’s all-important goal just a few minutes into the second half, Tuchel brought on Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech to try and level things up. And, as a result, Lukaku was forced to watch his team struggle for a goal from the bench. When asked about his decision to exclude the towering striker after the game, Tuchel offered an ambivalent response: “Because we brought Jorginho off. We only had three changes.”
However, Lukaku’s standing at Chelsea has clearly been falling for some time now. Since the turn of the year, the Belgium international has started just five league games from a possible 14 and has failed to register a single goal or assist in that time too. And it’s clear for all to see that the striker has proved to be nowhere near the £102 million signing Chelsea thought they were buying last summer.
Things have not gone well for Romelu Lukaku this season
Just look how much things have changed from last season to this season pic.twitter.com/Z0bY4tDOx8
— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) May 2, 2022
No games and no goals – Lukaku’s demise at Chelsea
Indeed, since making his return to Stamford Bridge, Lukaku has struggled for form and, most importantly, goals. After 40 appearances for Chelsea this season, the 28-year-old striker has managed just 12 goals and three assists in all competitions. Which is some way off his tally for last season.
In Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan side, Lukaku was a focal point for a team that not only thrived but went all the way to winning their first league title in 11 years. Over the course of 44 appearances for the Serie A side, Lukaku bagged no less than 30 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. Which is exactly why Chelsea spent so much money on re-signing him.
We can even break Lukaku’s performances down to match averages to avoid any hurdles the player has had to overcome from starting on the bench under Tuchel this season. But, again, things don’t look good for the player. At Inter last season Lukaku was averaging 0.76 goals per 90 minutes in all competitions, but this time around he’s only averaging 0.45 goals per 90 for Chelsea.
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