Gabby Agbonlahor has said he’s noticed Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku look slower recently from the player he watched at the start of the season.
Lukaku, 28, kickstarted the campaign with three goals in his first three appearances after a summer move from Inter Milan.
The Belgium international has returned to Stamford Bridge to try be the long-term solution at centre-forward, but he’s had question marks over him in the past month due to his quiet performances. For example, Darren Bent ripped into his individual display earlier in January against Manchester City.
A turbulent individual season so far has seen him score eight goals in 23 games across all competitions. Also, he’s had to deal with a hamstring injury and the Covid-19 virus.
TalkSPORT pundit Agbonlahor has suggested the left-footed striker may still be trying to get up to full speed.
“If you look at Lukaku, the player that came to Chelsea at the start of the season he was on fire. He would get the ball. He looked a yard quicker as well at the start of the season… Something’s not right there,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
Lukaku’s definitely got the turn of pace to leave defenders helpless, and it’s something supporters need to see more of. In fairness, it still feels like he’s building partnerships with teammates on the pitch, who aren’t always spotting his movement.
A mini goal streak for the Belgian should boost his confidence and overall match fitness.
Chelsea top scorers
As it stands, penalty specialist Jorginho is the club’s top scorer this season with nine goals in all competitions. He’s closely followed by Lukaku (eight), Mason Mount (seven) and Timo Werner (six).
It’s worrying statistic to look at from the outside when you consider the amount of talent within the current Blues squad.
There is real firepower, creativity and skill in Chelsea’s various attackers, but it’s time for some to step up in the second half of the season.
They’re going to need some key figures to emerge to help win silverware, with Lukaku’s understandably one man that’s going to be right under the spotlight at Stamford Bridge.
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