Romelu Lukaku makes an instant impact at AS Roma: Stats
Romelu Lukaku's move to Italy has worked wonders for him and also for AS Roma as he has been on fire for Jose Mourinho's men in the ongoing Serie A season. The Giallorossi won 4-1 against Cagliari over the weekend courtesy of a brace from Lukaku. Notably, the former Inter Milan striker has joined Roma on loan from Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
Why does this story matter?
Lukaku struggled at Chelsea after making a move from Inter in 2021. He spent his time on loan at Inter last season and was destined to join them again. The 30-year-old saw Inter pull out of the race in the summer after Lukaku held talks with Juventus. With question marks surrounding and having no future at Chelsea, AS Roma came to his rescue.
Lukaku scripted this sensational record
As per Opta, Lukaku has an average minutes/goal ratio of one goal in every 87 minutes played for AS Roma in the 2023-24 season. This is the Belgian striker's best career seasonal minutes/goal ratio since he played in the big five European Leagues in the 2011-12 season while considering all competitions. He has scored five Serie A goals and two Europa League goals (2023-24).
Dream start to Lukaku's career at AS Roma
Lukaku has netted five goals in his first six Serie A matches for AS Roma in the ongoing season. As per Opta, among those who have made debuts for the Giallorossi in the Serie A since the 1994-95 season, only Gabriel Batistuta (eight) has done better than him in their first six matches. Lukaku has leveled Stephan El Shaarawy's record of five goals.
Serie A 2023-24: Decoding Lukaku's numbers for Roma
In six Serie A matches so far this season, Lukaku has five goals. As per Opta, all of his five goals have come from inside the box. Seven of his 12 shots (excluding blocks) have been on target. He has created three chances. He has clocked a pass accuracy of 76.47%. He has won six aerial duels and five ground duels.
A look at Lukaku's career stats
Lukaku started his career at Anderlecht and he gradually became a prolific goal-scorer. He netted 41 goals in 98 matches before moving to Chelsea in 2011. He then went on loan to West Brom, playing 38 matches and scoring 17 goals. Later, he joined Everton on loan for a season before joining permanently. He scored 87 goals in 166 appearances for the Toffees.
A look at Lukaku's career stats (2)
In 2017, he joined Manchester United and fired 42 goals in 96 appearances across two seasons before moving to Inter. In two seasons at Inter, he slammed home 64 goals in 95 matches before he joined Chelsea again. In the 2021-22 season, he returned with 15 goals in 44 matches. He was loaned to Inter (14 goals) last season before moving to Roma.
Breaking down Lukaku's numbers from the 2022-23 Serie A season
Lukaku featured in 25 matches in the 2022-23 Serie A and scored 10 goals. He provided six assists and created 32 chances. As per Opta, he attempted 43 shots (excluding blocks) but only 22 were on target. He also completed 274 out of 378 attempted passes clocking 72.49 passing accuracy. Lukaku won 39 aerial duels and 25 ground duels as he completed 16 take-ons.
Decoding his stellar numbers from his Inter Milan stint
Lukaku managed 78 goals and 24 assists in 132 appearances for Inter. In 97 Serie A matches, he netted 57 goals and provided 19 assists for the Nerazzurri. He featured in 11 Coppa Italia matches and has scored five goals. He scored nine UEFA Champions League goals in 18 matches. The Belgian marksman also netted seven goals in six Europa League matches.
Jose Mourinho is someone I trust: Lukaku
"I am a professional, I worked in the summer. Many people have talked about my condition, but I don't speak and I demonstrate on the field," Lukaku stated. "As I have said in the past, the coach (Jose Mourinho) and I have a special relationship. He knows my family, he knows my children: he is someone I trust, as he has in me."
