115 M €.
This is the sum disbursed by Chelsea last summer to recruit Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan.
A transfer considered very wise for most observers, impatient to see the Belgian center-forward evolve at the forefront of the Blues attack.
Logically, with a reinforcement of such magnitude, the London formation led by Thomas Tuchel, already at the top of Europe after winning the C1 at the end of May 2021, was eagerly awaited.
However, despite a convincing start, the integration of the ex-Manchester United striker has been quite difficult in this first part of the season.
To discover
Premier League fixtures and results
Premier League standings
SEE ALSO -
Romelu Lukaku's records at Inter Milan
A convincing start
For his debut under his new colors - but also old since he had belonged to Chelsea between 2011 and 2014 - the native of Antwerp had hit hard.
Against rival Arsenal, the Belgian international contributed to the success of the Blues (0-2) by scoring the opening goal.
Three weeks later, he was again decisive by scoring a double against Aston Villa (3-0);
just before offering the victory to his family against Zenith Saint Petersburg when the London club entered the Champions League.
Read also Romelu Lukaku, the superb blow of the Blues
But beyond the achievements, Romelu Lukaku weighed heavily in the game. His profile allowed Thomas Tuchel's team to shine even more on transitions - one of his strengths - but also to broaden his palette on attacks placed. Because the 28-year-old center forward has become over the years one of the best in the world at his post in back-to-goal play. Now, he knows how to use his imposing physique to control and keep the ball - or put away perfectly - in order to bring up his team's block. It is also a real threat to crosses, whether on land or in the air. In short, with his recruitment, Chelsea seemed to have become more complete and better. At least, that's what his results suggested. With the Belgian in the field, untilin mid-October, the Blues had known defeat only once in the Premier League, against Manchester City (0-1), and also once in C1, against Juventus Turin (1-0).
An unwelcome injury
However, Romelu Lukaku's successful integration into the Blues only lasted a while.
On October 20, against Malmö FF in C1, the former Everton striker was hit in the ankle.
An injury that kept him away from the lawns for a month.
In his absence, and while Timo Werner, the other Chelsea “scorer” was also unavailable, Thomas Tuchel had to change his tactical scheme.
As he had already done last season, the German technician chose to employ Kai Havertz as fake number nine.
With more than satisfactory results since the London team have won three of their four Premier League matches (and a draw) and also won in the Champions League against Malmö FF.
Read alsoFoot: Romelu Lukaku insulted, he closes his Twitter account
While he was back, the former Paris Saint-Germain coach did not want to upset his system of play. After all, as the saying goes, you don't change a winning team.
Romelu Lukaku had to be content with a limited playing time ... before being once again unavailable, this time because of the Covid-19.
It was only on December 29, against Brighton (1-1), that he regained a starting place.
Dissatisfied with his situation
In view of the importance which was his in the system of Chelsea at the start of the season, the player trained in Anderlecht saw the erosion of his status quite badly.
He also confided on the subject to
Sky Sport
: “
I am not satisfied with the situation, it is normal.
I think the coach chose to play with a different formation, I just have to keep working and be professional.
I am a worker and I must not give up, ”
he declared on December 30th.
To read also "I am not happy with the situation at Chelsea" declares Romelu Lukaku
Words that were not to the taste of his trainer Thomas Tuchel: “
We don't like it
[this kind of media release, note].
It brings noise that we don't need. It's not helpful, but we don't want to do more than it actually is. It is very easy to take the lines out of context, to make the headlines, ”
reacted the German technician at a press conference, in remarks reported by Nizaar Kinsella. Before adding: "
I don't feel he is unhappy, so I'm surprised [...] We will [discuss it]. But we will do it in private
".
The best way to put an end to this beginning of controversy would be for the Belgian center-forward to hold this Sunday against Liverpool (5.30 p.m.).
And that he is once again decisive?
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