Romelu Lukaku breaks an embarrassing Premier League record

Romelu Lukaku breaks an embarrassing Premier League record

Romelu Lukaku, the player Chelsea bought with £97.5 million from Inter Milan, is yet to score in the Premier League since his controversial Sky Italia interview in December has not had a great time on and off the pitch recently.

Romelu Lukaku, during his last match against Crystal Palace, set a new Premier League record for the fewest touches from a player who’s played a full 90 minutes since statistics started being recorded by Opta in the 2003/04 season. The Belgium international only managed seven touches in the 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday – with one of those was from kick-off.

The 28-year-old has scored just 10 goals in 28 games since his €115million arrival from Inter Milan last summer in a troubled campaign during which Romelu Lukaku has contracted COVID-19, battled injury and paid a hefty fine after conducting an unsanctioned interview in which he spoke about a desire to one day return to Italy.

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Chelsea boss says he does not know how to solve Romelu Lukaku problem

Asked how he can get Romelu Lukaku to touch the ball more often, Tuchel said: “What can I do? I don’t know. We have to deal with it.

“The data is out there and the data speaks a certain language. He was not involved in our game, it’s sometimes like this with strikers, if they struggle a bit with self-confidence, to find the space and to get involved against a good defensive side, it can be like this.

“It’s not what we want or Romelu wants but it’s also not the time to laugh about him and makes jokes about him. He’s in the spotlight but we will protect him.”

He further said, “There is a history of strikers struggling a little bit at Chelsea so it may not be the easiest place in the world for strikers. I don’t know why it’s like this.

“In my opinion, Chelsea are a team considered a strong defensive team, a physical team, that has a certain attitude when in competitive football.

“We demand a lot of our strikers in terms of defending. We want to be physical, hard-working group that wants to play a physical game and as a skilful game. That maybe plays a part.

“We are on the subject and are well aware, but like always in football, it’s not just one reason to sort a problem. It’s a complex sport and we will try to continue to play with faith, with a team effort.”

Chelsea faces Lille in their next game in the UEFA Champions League as they look to retain their European title.

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