Roberto Martinez is predicting Romelu Lukaku will make an instant impact at Everton.
The Belgian international is ineligible for next weekend’s home meeting with parent club Chelsea – but the Blues boss expects the deadline day signing to quickly display the qualities that made him such a hit at West Bromwich Albion last season.
Indeed, Martinez revealed one of the reasons for targeting Lukaku was the 20-year-old’s familiarity to English football and the Premier League.
The on-loan frontman’s first appearance in an Everton shirt could be the away Premier League fixture at West Ham United on Saturday 21 September.
“It was a perfect fit for what we needed and he is not going to need any settling in period,” Martinez said.
“Clearly, he knows the league inside-out and he is not going to need any time to settle into the squad because he knows Kevin Mirallas really well from the international setup.
“I just see him as someone who can come in straight away and hit the ground running – and you don’t get many players like that.
“As you can imagine, there were many clubs wanting Romelu but we are pleased that we managed to give him a challenge that he is looking forward to.”
Lukaku was an unused substitute on Friday evening in Belgium’s 2-0 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park – a result which moved them a step closer to qualification for next summer’s World Cup.
Martinez believes a successful season at Everton will guarantee Lukaku’s place in Marc Wilmots’ squad in Brazil.
He continued: “You look at the player – he is only 20 and he can do anything. He is powerful, strong, direct with his running and a clinical finisher with his left and right feet. He can also assist and see a pass. It’s very difficult to see a weakness.
“He started to have a big role at 16 so he has been playing at a high level for a number of years.
“All we want is for him to fulfil his potential at Everton, enjoy his football and make sure that he has an outstanding World Cup campaign.”