Steve Bruce believes Romelu Lukaku can fire Chelsea to the Premier League crown even though he wont kick a ball for them this season, writes Bill Cooper. Jose Mourinho reckons he doesnt need Lukaku to boost the Blues title challenge, and has farmed the Belgium striker out on a 12-month loan to Everton. Bruce insists that is another master-stroke by the Special One. Hull boss Bruce explained: Jose is a very intelligent manager, and this is a shrewd bit of business hes done with Lukaku. Jose has not only worked out that he can get by without Romelu, but also that he can get the goals to help Everton take some crucial points off Chelseas title rivals. Jose knows Romelu scored 17 goals on loan for West Brom last season and feels he can do the same again to help Everton wrestle some important points off the big-boys this time around. Clever, very clever. Bruce is under no illusions that Lukaku, who grabbed both his countrys goals in the 2-1 win over Croatia that sent Belgium through to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002, poses the biggest threat to his Tigers. He continued: Lukakus hero is Didier Drogba, and the highest compliment I can give him is that he reminds me of a young Drogba. Didier was, for years, one of the best centre-forwards we have seen in the Premier League. He was a proper number 9, and Romelu is very similar to him in physique and style of play. It was a hell of a loan signing for Roberto Martinez to make on transfer deadline day because this kid is going to be one hell player. When you look at him, its frightening to think he is still only 20. I saw him on his home debut for Everton against Newcastle a couple of weeks back, and he was simply fantastic. He is big, strong, powerful, quick, can finish, is good in the air and can get away from defenders, he has got all the attributes you look for in a top striker. I was a centre-back in my playing days, so how would I have dealt with him? With a cry for help, I think! Seriously, the one thing you have got to be is physically ready for the challenge. If you shy away from it, youre finished. He stressed: Romelu is a big, powerful lump, so you have got to be ready to pick up a few bumps and bruises against him. Against strikers like him you need your centre-backs to stand up strong and be brave.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 19:29:06 +0000
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