Romelu Lukaku Opens Up on Drogba Comparisons: “In England, They Put Me in a Box”
Romelu Lukaku, the powerful striker known for his stints at clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and now Napoli, has addressed a long-standing narrative surrounding his career in England: the comparison to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. In an interview with Friends of Sports, Lukaku reflected on how his physical build often led to unfair expectations from coaches and fans alike.
“In England, they wanted to put me in a box,” Lukaku shared. “They see someone built like me and think: new Drogba.”
For Lukaku, this label has never felt quite right. While both players share similarities in their size and strength, Lukaku explained that their styles of play differ significantly. “Didier was more back to goal,” Lukaku added. “He could hold up the ball no matter where you play it from. That wasn’t my style.”
These comments offer a glimpse into the frustrations Lukaku has faced throughout his career, as he has often been molded by others’ perceptions instead of being appreciated for his own unique skill set. Unlike Drogba, Lukaku has always preferred to exploit spaces, making runs behind defenders rather than holding up play. His journey has taken him through multiple leagues and teams, with varying levels of success and criticism, but Lukaku remains determined to define his career on his terms.
Now thriving in Napoli’s system under Rudi García, Lukaku continues to show that he is much more than just a Drogba successor, but a striker with his own vision and impact on the game.
Romelu Lukaku Opens Up on Drogba Comparisons: “In England, They Put Me in a Box”
Romelu Lukaku, the powerful striker known for his stints at clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and now Napoli, has addressed a long-standing narrative surrounding his career in England: the comparison to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. In an interview with Friends of Sports, Lukaku reflected on how his physical build often led to unfair expectations from coaches and fans alike.
“In England, they wanted to put me in a box,” Lukaku shared. “They see someone built like me and think: new Drogba.”
For Lukaku, this label has never felt quite right. While both players share similarities in their size and strength, Lukaku explained that their styles of play differ significantly. “Didier was more back to goal,” Lukaku added. “He could hold up the ball no matter where you play it from. That wasn’t my style.”
These comments offer a glimpse into the frustrations Lukaku has faced throughout his career, as he has often been molded by others’ perceptions instead of being appreciated for his own unique skill set. Unlike Drogba, Lukaku has always preferred to exploit spaces, making runs behind defenders rather than holding up play. His journey has taken him through multiple leagues and teams, with varying levels of success and criticism, but Lukaku remains determined to define his career on his terms.
Now thriving in Napoli’s system under Rudi García, Lukaku continues to show that he is much more than just a Drogba successor, but a striker with his own vision and impact on the game.
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