Will Lukaku get his chance at Chelsea next season?

Chelsea lack a real presence up front which has been missing ever since Didier Drogba lead the line in his pomp and manager-in-waiting Jose Mourinho believes Romelu Lukaku could have a similar impact, according to The Sun.

The Belgian international had a frustrating start to life at Stamford Bridge but has flourished with regular football at West Brom this season leading many to argue that he now deserves a chance at Chelsea and Mourinho may be willing to afford him the opportunity.

Lukaku is still only 20, a little raw & rough around the edges but he’s already showing the makings of a dominant centre forward with an impressive 17 goals in 35 league games (20 starts). He also made four assists and played 38 games in all competitions.

It makes for more impressive reading than the numbers our forwards have produced over the course of the season, both floundering in the league especially.

Demba Ba had a decent return of 19 goals over the campaign in 44 games (7 as sub) but 13 of his league goals were for Newcastle United over the first half of the season. For Chelsea, the Senegalese forward scored six in 22, four of which were in the FA Cup.

Spanish international Fernando Torres enjoyed his best season since his £50 million move from Liverpool in 2011 with 23 goals which has earned him some praise, but it would be an overstatement to say ‘he’s back’ and his total flatters to deceive. Torres has played in 64 games this season and in his 36 league (8 as sub) he only managed to bag 8 goals which means the bulk have come in the cups and debunks the myth that he barely played in the Premier League once Ba was signed.

I doubt Mourinho would be particularly impressed by either Ba or Torres which may push him towards taking a punt on Lukaku. With Radamel Falcao heading to Monaco and Robert Lewandowski expected at Bayern Munich there could be a lot of demand for the likes of Edinson Cavani and perhaps Mario Gomez, which would also help the Belgian’s cause.

On his future, Lukaku said:

“I want to play as much as possible. I want to have a good World Cup so need to be ready.

“Chelsea? it depends on Mourinho, if he takes over, and what he has to say.”

(The Sun)

Lukaku has naturally drawn comparisons to his idol Drogba as a big (6ft 3in), physical and quick centre forward with an eye for goal. Although the former Anderlecht star is keen to emulate the Ivorian’s success, he’s also hoping to make a name for himself and be the first Romelu Lukaku, but can Mourinho help him have a Drogba-like impact at the West London club?

Is Romelu Lukaku ready to lead the line at Stamford Bridge?

Source: The Sun