Everton manager Roberto Martinez is quite happy with Romelu Lukaku for the way he is approaching games, even though he isn’t lasting 90 minutes.
The Belgian forward has only managed the full 90 minutes twice this season but Martinez wouldn’t have it any other way.
He said: “I wouldn’t want him to change that intensity. That would be a big mistake. You’ve got two options; reduce the intensity and last over 90 minutes or work slowly over time to expand the quality of his play up to 90 minutes. It’ll take time but that’s what we want to do.
“Last season he only played seven full games with West Brom, and there are other aspects to consider. Firstly his age – he’s still a very young man. Second; the intensity that he plays with, and any player would struggle to hold that longer than 20 minutes.
“Obviously he’s now trying to work towards 90 minutes but it’s more focussing on the quality of his play than the quantity.
“I’m very pleased with the manner he played 90 minutes against Fulham in the cup, and then Newcastle.
“Now it’s a matter of assessing each week. The Hull game was difficult for him because he’d had two tiring games for Belgium that took a lot out of him. It’s just a matter of time as he develops.”
So far, Lukaku has scored 4 goals in 5 games for Everton this season and he recently came back from international duty on the back of a 2 goal haul. The powerful striker signed on at Everton on a one year loan and has made an instant impact at Goodison Park. Last season he scored 17 goals in 35 games for West Brom, again on loan from Chelsea and boss Jose Mourinho sent the youngster on loan again with a view to improving.
Lukaku has scored 5 goals in 24 appearances for Belgium and will relish facing his international strike partner Christian Benteke this weekend away to Aston Villa.
Do you think Lukaku should aim to play in the same way or try and last the 90 minutes? Have your say at www.theevertonforum.com