Becoming Belgium’s joint top scorer after finding the back of the net twice against Mexico, Romelu Lukaku finally made the spot his own on Tuesday night, scoring the only goal in his country’s 1-0 win over Japan in a friendly.
With 31 goals in 65 games, the 24-year-old is likely to hold that spot for a long time to come, with many expecting him to at least double his tally by the time he retires.
However, there is one man to thank for all this, and that’s West Brom’s Nacer Chadli, who gifted him the goal with a great lofted cross, meaning Lukaku’s header become a very easy tap-in.
After the game, the Baggies’ forward was asked whether he was expecting a present from his national teammate after his great assist.
He told DH: “I’m really happy for him, and very proud that he holds the record. No, I don’t need a gift, he’s my friend, so I assisted him with pleasure.”
Not always present for Belgium, Chadli was given a chance by Roberto Martinez in both friendlies, and while he didn’t produce much against Mexico, he ensured that changed against Japan.
With only 23 players allowed in the squads for the World Cup, and so much talent for his manager to choose from, every opportunity is precious for the West Brom player, and there’s every chance the former Everton head coach enjoyed what he saw.
