Romelu Lukaku’s ambition makes him an ideal player for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea
By George Perry
Romelu Lukaku only wants to play for a team with guaranteed Champions League football. That should help narrow down the choice between Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Romelu Lukaku transfer saga has progressed rapidly in recent days, bounding beyond rumours into lengthy statements of ambition and restlessness. Lukaku salted the earth at Goodison Park in the most respectful way possible in an interview yesterday.
Lukaku complimented the club’s facilities, fans and community. He then lambasted the club for not sharing his ambitions and sense of urgency to achieve them. Most damning, he praised Everton’s proud history but quickly turned that into a broadside against a team that is living in the past. In his eyes, the fans’ acceptance that the club’s best days are behind them short-changes the current crop of players who want so much more.
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The Belgian wants two things out of his career: trophies and the opportunity to prove himself as one of the world’s best strikers. He knows that, whatever else the Toffees have on offer, they cannot deliver those.
"If I don’t say I am one of the best, I’m shooting myself in the head. Can I be one of the best in the world? Definitely. But to do that, you need the platform to show yourself. Then you are talking about Champions League and whatever types of games. – Daily Mail"
Lukaku talked almost wistfully about a conversation he had with Vincent Kompany. Kompany told him about the rapid rise of Manchester City. Kompany was at City for a quick succession of high-value transfers followed by an equally rapid surge of titles and trophies. Lukaku believes Everton had the ability to execute a similar maneuver. Instead they hesitated, and now the moment – and momentum – are gone.
"You cannot only be remembered by scoring goals. You want to be remembered by winning trophies. That is what the fans want."
Both Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho would recognize a lot of themselves in Lukaku’s words. The unrelenting and insatiable quest for victories motivates both managers. Conte, in particular, demands a similar level of passion and commitment from his players. While Mourinho sometimes looks at his squad as the tools to achieve his goals, Conte seeks kindred spirits in pursuit of victory.
Beyond the personality differences, Chelsea may more immediately deliver Lukaku’s necessary next step: the Champions League. Manchester United need to win the Europa League to qualify for the Champions League. Chelsea have their spot all but sealed. Depending on Lukaku’s impatience and his belief in each managers’ long-term vision and ability, United’s Europa League run may determine his decision.
Romelu Lukaku’s raw ambition may be his most attractive attribute to Antonio Conte. A player that determined to win and prove himself is unlikely to disappear at big games or have bouts of apathy or attitude.
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His last test at Everton may be proving that he is 100% committed to the Merseysiders for the remainder of this season. If he plays his heart out for a team with whom he has no future, simply because he cannot play any other way, he will assure himself a favourable place with Antonio Conte.