Will veteran’s presence do more harm than good for this youngster?
The young striker’s similarities to Drogba are clear; Lukaku is a strong goal-hungry presence in the opposition’s box and plays in a similar style to his new teammate. Lukaku idolises a player he will soon be competing against for a first team place at Chelsea. But will Drobga’s presence at Chelsea hinder as much as it will help Lukaku’s development at Stamford Bridge?
There is no doubt that Lukaku can learn a lot from Drogba, from how best to fit his style into Chelsea’ system to adjusting to a tough Premier League. Drogba’s presence in the dressing room, the training ground and on the pitch will be something that helps Lukaku develop and hopefully for Chelsea fans, fulfill his massive potential.
But signing Lukaku was a statement of intent from Chelsea and an indication they were looking to replace 33-year-old Drogba with a striker for the future. Whilst Chelsea’s new signing has been quick to dismiss the idea he is replacing Drogba, it is hard not to see Lukaku as the long-term answer to the ageing Drogba. But whilst there have been whispers that Drogba would be moving on sooner rather than later, especially since the arrival of Fernando Torres in January, the Ivorian looks to be staying for now and stands in the way of Lukaku’s first team opportunities.
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Lukaku scored 41 goals in 98 appearances for Anderlecht but for an 18-year-old that impressive goal rate and quick development requires consistency in his first team appearances. Whilst at Anderlecht and across the whole of Belgium Lukaku was the star, he comes into a very different situation at Chelsea were Torres, Drogba and Anelka could all possibly be ahead of him in the pecking order.
Being labeled the next Drogba also means that Lukaku arrives with a heavy weight of expectation. Whilst Chelsea fans can’t expect an immediate return from a young player, Lukaku has come in as a long-term replacement for Drogba and so will be expected to eventually produce the quality that Drogba has produced for years in a Chelsea shirt. A large transfer fee and plenty of talk about his potential is dangerous for any young starlet and Chelsea will desperately be hoping that the pressure doesn’t have a detrimental affect on the striker’s future.
Whilst I do raise concerns about Lukaku’s arrival at Chelsea at this time, I believe that the Belgian international will be a success at Stamford Bridge. Whilst Drogba’s presence at Chelsea means his first team opportunities may be limited for now, his similar style means he possesses all the attributes to be a success in England. Chelsea are taking a risk in paying a large sum for such a young player untested in the top leagues but if Lukaku becomes the player he promises to be, he will soon step out of the shadow of his idol and new Chelsea teammate.