Top 10 strikers in the Premier League
By David Gate
4. Romelu Lukaku – Everton
It’s hard to believe he is still only 23. With 78 Premier League goals to his name in just 5 seasons it frightening to think he hasn’t even reached his peak years. Lukaku deserves his place near the top of this list alongside his more famous contemporaries.
It is easy to look at Lukaku’s style of play and put it down to pace and strength. Such mild descriptions of his prowess don’t do him justice. He doesn’t just have ‘pace’ and ‘strength’. The Belgian could be an outside linebacker or a strong safety. There are few defenders in world soccer who can adequately match up to him physically.
His power is reflected in the types of goals he scores. Typically thunderous strikes and bullet headers. However he is not just the cliche target man. His teamwork and contribution to the buildup play mark him out as being more than a stack of impressive physical attributes.
For a player who gets so many goals – 18 for this season so far, equalling his best year in the league – he does not play the role of diva or allow himself special leniency with defensive responsibilities. This is why his team mates love him and Ronald Koeman is shaping his Everton side to fully utilize this extraordinary talent. The Toffees will spend another summer warding of unwanted approaches for their Belgian talisman.