Paul Ince: Lukaku must prove himself world class in Champions League
Former Manchester United player Paul Ince has had he say on Romelu Lukaku just before the club’s game against Basel in the Champions League group stages.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Ince insisted anyone who wants to be considered world class has to prove themselves in Europe’s elite competition. Lukaku has yet to play in a Champions League game but will get the opportunity to do so when the Red Devils play their first match on Tuesday against the Swiss club.
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“It is highly unusual these days for a £75m striker not to have had previous experience and, if he wants to be considered world class, this is the stage where he has to prove himself. United’s group opponents Basel, Benfica and CSKA Moscow will not be the acid test and he will not be fazed by them.” exclaimed Paul rather confidently.
Ince then continued, showing who he thinks are the top clubs in Europe “But he needs to learn quickly so he is ready when the real elite stuff comes later in the season; knockout games against the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Lukaku is a goalscoring machine and would cause problems to any defence in the world because of the way he runs at people and keeps his composure in the penalty area.”.
“On the other hand, his retention of the ball is not fantastic and, if he goes chasing the ball to get involved in the build-up, United could get punished because top Champions League teams exploit opponents who have lost their shape.” warned Ince.
Manchester United would do well to heed their former player’s words after it can be argued they lost their shape twice vs Stoke in yesterday’s game. The Red Devils ended up drawing the match after turning around a 1-0 scoreline in their favour but it was the Potters who got the last laugh, managing to hold on for a single point against the league leaders.
Lukaku was amongst the goal-scorers but will certainly rue missing a chance to win his side the 3 points after scores were level. Unfortunately the Belgian striker could only blast his shot over the crossbar after an incredible cross from Martial found his teammate perfectly. Romelu has mostly been efficient in converting but will need to do better against top opponents.
He was hailed as the most lethal finisher at the club by Rashford, who himself missed an opportunity to grab a second goal, but as Ince says, he will need to take that step up to become amongst the best players in the world. Soon enough the former Everton man will face stiff competition from an experienced player in Ibrahimovic.
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The Swede has targeted a return in January but was still included in the Red Devils Champions League squad in the hopes that he may be available earlier than expected. Should that happen, perhaps Lukaku will not get as much game time in Europe as he had hoped. Now is his opportunity to prove he’s got what it takes at the highest level.