Romelu Lukaku – Jose’s hidden agenda?

Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku made his much anticipated debut for Everton at Upton Park on the weekend and bravely headed home the winner to earn the Toffees all the three points. Chelsea supporters and pundits alike were confused by the Special One’s decision to allow the Belgian to leave Stamford Bridge on loan, but does Jose Mourinho have a hidden agenda?

Those tipping Chelsea’s rivals to claim the Premier League title do so on the basis that the Blues are lacking in the striker department and remain short of a world-class centre forward. A well publicized move for Wayne Rooney was unsuccessful, leaving the Blues with the option of playing Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Lukaku in the ‘number 9? role.

Samuel Eto’o was also recruited from Anzhi Makhachkala but the Cameroonian’s best days at Barcelona and Inter Milan appear to be behind him at the age of 32.

Comparisons between Lukaku and Mourinho’s trusted former ‘soldier’ Didier Drogba suggested that the youngster, although still raw, would fit the manager’s preferred style of play. A successful stint on loan at West Bromwich Albion pointed to the Belgian being given opportunities to impress but to the surprise of many, was again allowed to leave on a season long loan.

Roberto Martinez’s evolving Everton are the primary beneficiaries this time, but how does this benefit Chelsea – is there more to this move than meets the eye?

It’s fair to assume that the player’s development will be aided by being a more regular starter at Goodison Park. An interesting theory though is that Mourinho has strategically placed Lukaku at Everton, rather than allow him a return to West Brom (rumoured to be the player’s preferred choice). A deep thinker and famed for his attention to detail in all aspects of the game, has Jose positioned the exciting young Belgian in the perfect situation to exact maximum damage upon Chelsea’s title rivals?

Lukaku cannot face Chelsea in the two Premier League fixtures between the clubs under section 7.2 of rule M.6, therefore cannot directly damage the Blues by potentially scoring a goal to take points from them. He can however, line up for the Toffees against the two Manchester clubs, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool – all likely to be in or around Chelsea come the end of the season.

Even prior to the arrival of Lukaku, Everton were expected to comfortably finish in the top half and have traditionally taken points from the ‘big boys’, particularly at Goodison Park. An organised and largely experienced back-line allied to the attacking threat of Leighton Baines, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas makes them a tough proposition.

The addition of Lukaku’s pace, strength and scoring power ensures they are now an even more daunting prospect. It’s worth noting that in the final few weeks of the season, Everton’s last three games at home are against Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Could Lukaku’s presence play a part in these clubs possibly dropping points at a key stage, aiding Chelsea’s cause?

It’s certainly not beyond Jose Mourinho to realise that the 2013/14 title race may well prove to be a tight affair, hinging on points lost as much as points gained. Perhaps the Portuguese should be lauded for recognizing that the threat of Romelu Lukaku may be better served away from Stamford Bridge in the short term, benefiting the Blues indirectly as opposed to directly.

Whatever happens, expect another impressive season from the big Belgian and it may well prove that Chelsea stand to profit from his performances almost as much as Everton come May.