Despite being their main striker and probably one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Premier League as things stand, Belgium fans aren’t all that pleased with Romelu Lukaku.
Last week, in a long interview with Sport/Foot Magazine, Nacer Chadli was asked if he understood why people were booing the Everton striker (he didn’t), and this week, it’s Roberto Martinez’s turn to be asked the question.
The former Everton manager, now in charge of the Belgium national team, was interviewed by the same magazine for this week’s edition, and was asked the exact same question as the former Tottenham winger.
He said: “I wasn’t aware of the critics before noticing it a bit ahead of the Bosnia game. You mustn’t forget that Romelu is only 23 years old, but that he’s also devoted to the Red Devils. Each time he plays for his country, he creates chances. I’d never criticise someone who misses chances because it means he’s created some.
“I think that with Rom’, we have one of the most promising forwards in international football. He’s capable of playing with his back to goal, turn suddenly, he’s clinical in front of goal, especially on his left foot, good in the air. He’s basically got it all, and he’s only 23.”
Martinez continued by explaining the young striker was still learning, and that fans should only boo and jeer someone who doesn’t want to play for Belgium, which isn’t the case with Lukaku, or with any of the other players in the squad, for that matter.
If there’s one manager who knows the Everton star better than anyone else, it’s probably the Spaniard, who oversaw his move to Merseyside from Chelsea, and helped him become the player he is today.
Belgium fans should probably listen to him.
