Jose Mourinho has acknowledged Romelu Lukaku’s importance to Roma in the midst of the Belgium captain’s dream start to life in the capital. A game between Giallorossi and Monza is underway, with the 30-year-old spearheading the attack in the absence of Paulo Dybala.
Lukaku joined Roma down the final stretch of the summer transfer window. After tarnishing his relationship with Inter, the robust striker linked up with their bitter rivals. That has proved a superb choice, as the Chelsea loanee already has five Serie A goals this term.
His splendid form has been crucial to Mourinho’s bid to bring Roma back to the European race after a torrid start to the new campaign. Lukaku has scored in six of his last seven appearances for Giallorossi, carrying them through difficult times.
Roma have massively relied on Lukaku in the early season. With Tammy Abraham and Dybala injured, he’ll likely continue to be their most dependable source of goals.
“Lukaku scored goals everywhere, even when he played in smaller clubs like West Bromwich Albion. He has goals in his nature. Aside from that, he is an important reference point for us,” Mourinho said, as relayed by Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Roma manager sees Lukaku as a key component in an otherwise ‘limited’ squad.
“We are not a very fast team, we have a few limitations when we lose the ball or regain it, so he gives us a reference point. He is no longer the kid I knew when we first met at Chelsea,” Mourinho continued.
“He is a man with a strong mentality and we need that kind of strong presence in the locker room.“
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