Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez has hailed Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku for showing remarkable improvement after moving to Old Trafford.
Lukaku joined Manchester United from Everton for £75 million this summer and has since made a great first impression for the Red Devils, scoring five goals in his first five Premier League appearances.
The big Belgian’s fantastic form has not gone amiss by his international coach Roberto Martinez and the ex-Wigan boss commended the United striker for his improvement after joining the Red Devils.
Martinez, who also managed Lukaku during their time together at Everton, has admitted that the ex-Chelsea forward now has a better attitude compared to when he was young and hailed United as well as manager Jose Mourinho for their contribution in helping the striker raise his game.
Speaking with TalkSPORT, the Spaniard said, “It never crossed my mind that it would be something difficult for Rom. Everyone that plays with him or works with him realises very quickly that he has an elite brain.
“As a footballer, you can have your attributes but the focus he can have is quite unique. When he went to Manchester United he was solely focused on starting well and making a big impact and that is what he has done.
“He is still a very young player – sometimes we forget he is only 24 – but his goalscoring record is sensational and he is a player that wants to carry on developing and carry on learning. Now he is with a manager with whom he will keep learning different aspects at club level.
“I have seen a big difference in terms of his maturity when he comes to international camps. From the young player I signed from West Brom and Chelsea at that time, it is the same goalscorer but with an incredible maturity. That is great to see and he still has many, many years to develop.”
While Lukaku’s goal scoring abilities has never been questioned, his first touch and hold up play has consistently been criticized by many. The striker’s inability to hold the ball and build up play certainly frustrated a host of Everton fans over the years.
During his first few games for United though, Lukaku has shown remarkable improvement in both of these aspects of his play and has spearheaded the formidable the Red Devils’ attack with distinction.
The Belgian looks set to stay at Old Trafford for a long time and if the early form is anything to go by, the Big forward might go on to forge a lasting impact at the club.
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