Since joining the Nerazzurri in August 2019, Lukaku has netted a total of 64 goals in 95 appearances in all competitions.
Inter has benefited massively on the league ladder since the arrival of Lukaku into the squad. Transforming from a team barely reaching a Champions League spot to now the current Serie A title holders.
Let’s look at some defining key points since Lukaku’s arrival.
The attacking ability –
When previous striker Icardi was at the helm, Inter really struggled to score multiple goals in matches. A lot of 1-0 wins was the norm for Inter as defensive efforts were definitely the focal point in those sides.
Inter would have one chance in a game and Icardi would generally take that chance. Inter were really reliant on a half chance hitting the back of the net to take all three points.
However, since the arrival of Lukaku there has been a transformation in Inter’s attacking ability. If we break down the Serie A seasons, we see the positive impact on the side since the arrival of Lukaku.
2017-18: 66 goals scored. Top scorer was Mauro Icardi with 29 goals in 34 appearances as Inter placed fourth. Most assists for Inter was Ivan Perisic with 9 assists.
2018-19: 57 goals scored. Top scorer was Mauro Icardi with 11 goals in 29 appearances as Inter placed fourth. Most assists for Inter was Matteo Politano with 6 assists.
2019-20: 81 goals scored. Top scorer was Romelu Lukaku with 23 goals in 36 appearances as Inter placed second. Most assists for Inter was Alexis Sanchez with 8 assists.
2020-21: 89 goals scored. Top scorer was Romelu Lukaku with 24 goals in 36 appearances as Inter placed first. Most assists for Inter was Romelu Lukaku will 11 assists.
From the above we realize how influential Lukaku has been on the side since his arrival. Not only scoring goals but also assisting his team mates. Even in the build up play we have seen Lukaku have the ability to hold up play and also pass an Inter player into space.
The point could be argued that it’s a different Inter side under Conte. However, Inter would not have been as potent without Lukaku in the 9 jersey.
Formation of LuLa –
As we know, Lukaku is one of the most unselfish players in world football and this makes his fellow Inter players much better too.
Under the mentorship on Lukaku, we have seen Lautaro Martinez transform into a much more rounded player. Learning off someone like Lukaku would be an absolute dream for any young forward.
Inter have benefited massively as Lautaro is now a more consistent striker. Starting of with only 9 goals in his first season, then working with Lukaku in the past two seasons we have seen 21 goals and 19 goals in successive campaigns.
The partnership leading the line for Inter cannot be underestimated, as it’s becoming one of the best in world football. This is why Inter would be absolutely crazy to sell either one of these players, and especially Lukaku.
Scudetto impossible without Lukaku –
Finally to end, winning a 20th Serie A title this season is something which cannot be done without Lukaku. To some, it may not be that plain and simple but for me it is.
The gap of 12 points to Milan instantly disappears, as I’m sure Juventus will be much stronger this season too after a poor campaign last year.
Money isn’t everything in football, and to owners such as Suning I’m sure that’s a hard thing to realize. Inter have been in the shadows for too many years and selling our best players does not match Inter DNA.
Let’s hope these Lukaku rumours are false, and we see the beast back in action for the Nerazzurri!
As always, Forza Inter!
