World Cup: This is Romelu Lukaku’s chance to assert his stature

They say you should save the best until last, that’s what Belgium are hoping.

Belgium play Panama on Monday afternoon. Belgium have a star-studded team, and they should be expecting to achieve good things in this year’s World Cup.

Okay, they may not be considered favorites to win the competition, but with the talent on offer, it is possible. Let’s not think too far ahead, though, because they will kick off their group stage campaign this afternoon.

Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne are the two stars who spring to mind when you think of Belgium. However, another man who is up there with them is Romelu Lukaku.

The big stage mustn’t get to him

Lukaku is known for fluffing his lines on the big occasion. This is why he doesn’t have the stature which his goal record will show. Granted, he is only 25 years old, but this is an element to his game which needs improving.

There’s no better chance than now. Performing at the World Cup, on such a huge stage when you are entering the prime stages of your career couldn’t be more special.

Especially for Lukaku, who has been in good international form recently. He is a real Belgian fan favorite, and he has the weight of a nation on his shoulders.

He has the creativity around him, something which he thrives on. When you give the striker chances, he always looks likely to find the back of the net.

He had a good first season with Manchester United. Okay, it wasn’t exactly world class, but he still come up with the goods often.

How can others play around him?

He is quite the versatile striker. Ageing at 25, there are a few trademarks which are starting to blossom through, but he’s still a jack of all trades. This certainly isn’t a bad thing, especially as Roberto Martinez looks to build a squad around him.

Expect to see him causing havoc to the Panamanian defense. He will either play on the last foot, which he has the speed to do, or he will look to win aerial duels.

Kevin De Bruyne will look to swing balls into the head of Lukaku, something he can’t do with his City counterparts.

We shouldn’t brush Lukaku aside. He will look to partner Timo Werner and Antoine Griezmann in upcoming stars who are expected to make a big impact.

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Do you think this competition will be fruitful for Romelu Lukaku, or will it be the same old story?