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Romelu Lukaku returned to the Premier League in the summer after Chelsea went all out for a world class striker in the market. The Blues finally secured the services of the Belgian for a club-record fee but things have not panned out according to plans for Chelsea.
Lukaku is yet to find his feet at Stamford Bridge and has failed to deliver in front of goal. As a result, Chelsea's only weakness under Thomas Tuchel continues to be the lack of goals from their forwards.
Lukaku has found the net just three times in nine Premier League games while providing a goal and an assist in the UEFA Champions League. Moreover, Lukaku has had injuries to deal with which made it more difficult for the forward.
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Considering the price tag and expectations surrounding him, the Belgian sharpshooter has endured a disappointing campaign so far. With a major chunk of the season left, Lukaku will have numerous chances to turn the season around.
Some forwards have done well in the Premier League so far and are enjoying a stellar campaign this year. Without further ado, let's take a look at:
5 Premier League forwards who are having a better season than Romelu Lukaku.
#5 Michail Antonio - West Ham United
Michail Antonio has been a pivotal piece in the puzzle for a West Ham side who have surprised all by playing some quality football in the Premier League this season. With six goals and four assists, the centre-forward has been one of the better players to watch out for in the English top flight.
What separates Antonio from the other Premier League strikers is his workrate and versatility. In addition to being an attacking threat, the 31-year old has also defended well and can operate from the flanks. Antonio has undoubtedly been an asset for the Hammers in the current Premier League campaign with his all-round play.
#4 Diogo Jota - Liverpool
While Mohamed Salah has made all the headlines in the Premier League, Diogo Jota has stepped up for the Reds as well. The Portuguese striker has been sensational in front of goal and his majestic display against Everton was further evidence of his caliber.
Jota has racked up eight goals and one assist in 14 appearances in the Premier League. The 25-year old has eased the pressure on Salah and has not let the Reds feel the absence of Roberto Firmino with his ability to find the net. Jota has been doing what Lukaku was brought in to do at Chelsea.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United
Like Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo has made a sensational return to the Premier League this summer. Manchester United managed to land their former Red Devil from Juventus in hopes of solving their goalscoring problem. They have not been disappointed so far.
While Ronaldo's heroics have mostly come in the Champions League, he has also been decisive in the Premier League. The Portuguese icon has scored six goals in the Premier League, making him the leading goal scorer for the Red Devils. He has also provided two assists for his team-mates.
While Lukaku went toe-to-toe with Ronaldo during their tenure in Serie A, the Belgian is yet to challenge him since their return to the English top flight. Lukaku will want to have a similar impact for Chelsea.
#2 Jamie Vardy - Leicester City
Leicester City talisman Jamie Vardy is a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League. The Englishman, who guided Leicester City to a Premier League triumph in 2015-16, is showing no signs of slowing down. Vardy's form is in stark contrast to that of Lukaku despite the latter having better team-mates to play with.
Vardy started the new Premier League campaign in explosive form, racking up seven goals in the first eight games. His noteworthy performance came against Manchester United as Leicester City enjoyed a 4-2 victory against the Red Devils.
Vardy has endured a mini slump in recent times but he is still having a better season than Lukaku. The 34-year old has scored nine goals and provided one assist so far in the Premier League, with only one man ahead of him in the scoring charts.
#1 Mohamed Salah - Liverpool
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is not just ahead of Lukaku but of all the forwards in the English top flight. Having scored 13 goals in the Premier League already, Salah is the most in-form player across in Europe at the moment.
In addition to being prolific in front of goal, Salah has provided eight assists to his teammates. The Egyptian maestro has been ruthless in the final third, dispatching opposition defenses rather easily. His pace, power, decisiveness and efficiency has made him unstoppable.
There is no doubt that Salah is head and shoulders above the rest in England. Lukaku will have great difficulty in matching the stellar season Salah is enjoying at Liverpool this year.
