- Romelu Lukaku who had a rough outing against Italy in Belgium’s first game of the Euros, answered back with a stellar performance against the Republic of Ireland.
- The Everton striker netted a brace as the Red Devils won the contest by a 3-0 scoreline.
- Lukaku had been linked with a return to Chelsea FC back in May.
The Belgian striker went into the tie with a huge point to prove. His performances in the previous game showed his lack of sharpness and pedigree inside the 18-yard-area. Four days on and it was a rejuvenated Lukaku, much like the one we’re used to seeing in the Premier League. He terrorized a rather flaky Irish defence and worked in tandem with creative geniuses like Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard. Lukaku was rightly handed the Man of the Match award. Here’s a look at his two strikes on the day:
fishlipsmcgee: 1-0 Belgium goal ESPN UEFA Euro 2016 Soccer: Belgium vs. Ireland https://t.co/0QbSeXGLsB pic.twitter.com/ID2JryZBN4
— FanSportsClips (@FanSportsClips) June 18, 2016
fishlipsmcgee: 3-0 Belgium goal ESPN UEFA Euro 2016 Soccer: Belgium vs. Ireland https://t.co/Vh6DxzfB1f pic.twitter.com/a0puYFjF5r
— FanSportsClips (@FanSportsClips) June 18, 2016
This is how Twitter reacted to the Belgian’s performance at Bordeaux:
Lukaku: “I know I’ve had a good season, I’ve had good preparations and I’m very calm.” #BEL #EURO2016 #BELIRL pic.twitter.com/wdnY6pMLed
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 18, 2016
Liverpool fans in mentions genuinely think Origi > Lukaku this is why people hate them
— Alex (@Alex_is_Sanchez) June 18, 2016
Funny how people on the TL are quick to criticise Lukaku who has consistently scored goals for Everton. Smh
— Chipego (@Call_me_TAJ) June 18, 2016
Lukaku’s haters gone into hiding I see
— WeAreChelseaFC (@WeAreChelseaFC) June 18, 2016
Lukaku’s goal was probably his first touch lmao went in by mistake he didn’t mean to do that
— depression twit chie (@sunnylfc7) June 18, 2016
KDB is unreal, he’s pulling the strings for Belgium, making players like Lukaku score. Lol. Can’t wait to see him next season with Pep.
— NBK (@SimplyMessi10) June 18, 2016
5 – Romelu Lukaku has now scored 5 goals in their last 6 games with #BEL. Predator.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 18, 2016
I’m cryingggg Origi would’ve tripped on the ball for Lukaku’s goal https://t.co/SaBPVjZGjp
— Alex (@Alex_is_Sanchez) June 18, 2016
Can’t wait for Lukaku to sign for Real Madrid on August 31 and for their fans to start abusing him in his 3rd game
— Kevin McCauley (@kevinmccauley) June 18, 2016
Really good finish from Lukaku. Goal created by De Bruyne, Belgium’s heartbeat and catalyst. Superb player. #EURO2016
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) June 18, 2016
@UEFAEURO Classy finish from Lukaku, who combines with De Bruyne on the edge of the area, opens up his body and finds the corner. #EURO2016
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 18, 2016
Enjoyed how Wilmots intercepted Lukaku who was clearly going to celebrate with someone else there.
— Nick Miller (@NickMiller79) June 18, 2016
Lukaku is gonna go… But anyone who doesn’t want him to stay is an idiot! An Everton player who scores 25 goals a season?? Come on!!
— Rob Marsh (@RobMarsh82) June 18, 2016
That’s an extra five million for Lukaku. Carry on.
— School of Science (@SOS1878) June 18, 2016
That goal was 100% Lukaku’s first touch
— Paul. (@VintageDeGea) June 18, 2016
Big 180° turn on the Lukaku takes then
— James Yorke (@jair1970) June 18, 2016
That was all De Bruyne imagine if Lukaku missed because of the player to his left who was free
— Bateson87 (@bateson87) June 18, 2016
However, before Lukaku broke the deadlock, he was target to immense criticism from the fans.
Asking Lukaku to control a football is like asking a Vegan to not mention it in their Twitter bio
— Joe (@MADVILLAlNY) June 18, 2016
Lukaku when he tries to control a football pic.twitter.com/EOMvhf2Sb7
— J (@Matamatically) June 18, 2016
Lukaku epitomises the word ‘tinpot’. Man is 6ft 3 and can’t even win a header. Needs to go back to West Brom.
— ㅤ (@Beardamendi) June 18, 2016
Lukaku is absolutely brain dead in the box.
— ㅤ (@Beardamendi) June 18, 2016
Everton is the Only place Lukaku excels. They should hand him a lifetime contract
— Sports Obama (@SaddickAdams1) June 18, 2016
Lukaku struggles to receive passes in between the lines. He needs a lot of time & space to control his 1st touch. Morata is more talented.
— Bossa (@chn_arsenal) June 18, 2016
6 mins in and Lukaku’s first touch search party has already been sent out. Tearssssss
— Khalid (@WorldOfK_) June 18, 2016
I don’t want to sound big headed or anything… But I reckon my first touch is better than Lukaku’s
— Ellis | AwayDays (@AwayDaysYT) June 18, 2016
Will Lukaku be joining Zlatan in the back of John O’Shea’s pocket then?
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) June 18, 2016
Is Romelu Lukaku Stamford Bridge bound?
It is credit to performances like these why Antonio Conte wants to bring the former Chelsea striker back at Stamford (via ESPN ). Lukaku could partner Diego Costa to form a formidable strike force. The Belgian’s pace could even see him play as wing-forward and if the Italian opts to deploy a 3-4-3 setup at the club, the current Everton maverick could play on either sides of the #9.