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Things are not going in Romelu Lukaku's way as his goal-scoring drought gets worse after each match day. He has failed to score or create anything for eight games with Manchester United since their victory against Watford on September 15th.
Despite being decisive in the World Cup and scoring four goals in the first five games, his impact is close to zero in the last eight games.
Jose Mourinho admits the moment is 'not sweet' but insists the goal-scoring drought is due to lack of confidence. But he is right to be concerned with the form of his team's number 9. This is not normal for someone like Lukaku, who was bought by the Red Devils from Everton for €84.7 million.
"I'm just not sure you are ever going to win the league with a goal scorer like him," Former United player, Paul Scholes told ESPN. "I don't think his play outside the box is good enough. I'm not sure if he works hard enough but he's still a young man who has done well and scored a lot of goals."
Despite the criticism and recent run of poor form, Lukaku remains the youngest foreign player to reach 100 goals in the English Premier League. Let us quickly evaluate 3 crucial reasons behind his recent goal-scoring drought.
#1. Lack of chemistry between teammates
The first and foremost reason for his recent poor form is his poor connection with his fellow teammates at Manchester United as he himself recently admitted. He suggested before the Manchester United hosted Juventus last night that he is working on improving his teamwork with his mates.
Romelu Lukaku has five goals for his National team this season, which is one more than he has with Manchester United. Even though he had goal droughts before, he at least played a part in setting up goals for his teammates up front. But now, it seems difficult which should not be the case for someone like Lukaku.
It is pretty much evident that being surrounded with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard helps his cause with Belgium National team. Lukaku seems to be aware of the fact and promised goals when he finally 'clicks' with his team.
#2. Extremely poor on the ball
His passing accuracy was also only 72% vs Juventus. Yes, there is little doubt over the fact that Juventus have one of the best defences in Europe. But it is also true that Lukaku has only scored once against top 6 heavyweights of the English Premier League since his transfer to the Red Devils.
Last night against Juventus, Romelu Lukaku touched the ball only 32 times, fewest among the rest of the players on the pitch. His poor first touch was a predominant problem which led to some grave errors upfront since the start of his career.
The game has changed a lot in these last few decades and nowadays, a number 9's role is more dynamic than it used to be. Strikers like Roberto Firmino, Sergio Aguero and previously Luis Suarez had more impact with Premier League teams due to their technical brilliance on the ball.
Jose Mourinho probably still prefers a classical striker but Lukaku's poor first touch makes life difficult for his team. Romelu Lukaku has always been a bulldozer but he needs to work on his positioning and on the ball skills to have more impact against tougher opponents.
#3. Loss of pace
If his current performances this season is anything to go by then it is fair to say that Lukaku is indeed a bit slower than before. His frantic movements around the box have diminished which made life difficult for his teammates to assist him.
Lukaku was always a powerhouse as evident with his exploits in the English Premier League but he needs to work his way back to form. A few years ago, Romelu Lukaku himself said that he wanted to keep his pace, unlike other players who gained weight and became slower.
But rumours made rounds about Jose Mourinho's second biggest signing bulking up after arrival at Old Trafford which added to Mourinho's concerns. Jose Mourinho's style always needs a striker who is agile, robust, pacy and an aerial threat.
Romelu Lukaku was tailor-made for Manchester United when he arrived and he did shut his critics up with a fiery start. But Lukaku's bad patch has made life difficult for himself and his team and the only remedy is to score as soon as possible.
