Chelsea's Champions League triumph has made them hungry for more. The Blues have realized their worth and are evidently acting on it too. Tuchel is hell-bent on bringing the trophy to London for the first time since 2017.
Thomas Tuchel took no rest and got to the drawing board right after his club's continental success. Part of which involved new playing roles for existing players and new signings. Speaking of the latter part, let's get to our man of the hour — Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku, the second-most goal scorer of the 2020-21 Serie A season, made a surprising switch to the Premier League despite winning the Scudetto with Inter Milan.
Talks around suggesting it was Conte's exit from the club that led to the Belgian's departure from San Siro. Nevertheless, as Chelsea buckle up, eyeing the coveted trophy, the fans are certain Romelu Lukaku can bring a lot to the table.
Let's take a look at five reasons why Romelu Lukaku will excel at Chelsea.
#5 Prior experience in the Premier League
Premier League newcomers often struggle to adjust to the pace of the game. In addition, the intensity (EPL houses many strong teams as compared to Europe's other elite leagues) further delays their adaptation to English-style football.
However, the same can't be the case with Romelu Lukaku, who isn't a newcomer but simply the one who's making a come back after a short two-year break.
The former Inter Milan striker has spent the majority of his career in the Premier League. Lukaku played for West Brom, Chelsea, Everton and Manchester United before plying his trade in Serie A.
The same reason puts him one step ahead already.
#4 He's approaching his peak
At the age of 28, we can undoubtedly say Lukaku is approaching his peak. Belgium's all-time top-scorer has garnered enough experience in different leagues, with different clubs and under different managers before re-arriving at Stamford Bridge as an almost finished product.
Thomas Tuchel could indeed sigh in relief to have him amidst the bunch of youngsters he possesses at the moment. Romelu Lukaku could be a guide to Chelsea's young guns. The same can result in increased output from the entire team.
In short, Romelu Lukaku's expertise and experience is nothing less than a blessing for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea.
#3 Current form
The Lukaku and Martínez duo at Inter Milan wreaked havoc over the last two seasons. They scored a total of 78 goals combined. Unfortunately for Inter Milan, Conte's departure has seemingly triggered the domino effect.
While Lukaku has left the club to sign for Chelsea, rumors indicate his former teammate Lautaro Martínez could end up as his rival should the Argentine sign for Spurs.
This could result in a massive downfall in Inter's attacking prowess and the same proves how essential the duo was for them. Amidst all this, it's a complete win for the Blues who could get Lukaku into their side.
Here's the gist of what this 28-year-old achieved just last season: IFFHS World's Best International Goal Scorer, Scudetto, Serie A MVP, Serie A Silver Boot. If he can carry out the same form this year with Chelsea, the Pensioners are certainly favorites for the title.
#2 Hunger to prove himself at a big Premier League club
The Belgian international's start in the Premier League wasn't a pleasing one. The then 18 year-old Lukaku was signed by Chelsea after being impressed with his heroics in Belgian top-flight football.
However, the Londoners couldn't milk the opportunity and Lukaku remained a reserve for most of the time. He then moved to West Brom and then to Everton. Both clubs proved fruitful for Romelu Lukaku as he experienced a fine stint with them.
His next big club was Manchester United. Despite having a record-breaking start, of scoring 10 goals from first 9 matches (previously held by Sir Bobby Charlton — 9 goals off first 10 games), Lukaku left the club on a bitter note after being treated like a scapegoat for the club's poor performance.
As of now, Lukaku, with newly found confidence and form, has made a return to the Premier League with the intention of proving his worth to his former Premier League teams. Which includes his current team — Chelsea itself.
#1 Potentially stronger team
By now we are all fully convinced about Chelsea's squad depth, aren't we? Tuchel has an array of extraordinary players and even multiple options for the same position. And picking the right players would mean Sophie's choice for the German.
As for Lukaku, he walks right into a squad that's fully molded into a championship-winning team. If we compare Lukaku's former team-mates at Inter Milan versus his current at Chelsea, the latter looks stronger on paper by far the margin.
Just imagine if his team-up with Lautaro Martinez could run a goal-riot, what can Lukaku not achieve alongside Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic, Kante and many others?