Romelu Lukaku is revelling in the extra respect he is receiving this season, following his explosive start to his loan spell at Everton.
Speaking to Belgian reporters (via Sky Sports) after last night’s game with Wales, the striker on-loan from Chelsea revealed that he is enjoying the attention, and hopes to add more assists to his play.
Whilst he will no doubt be frustrated at the lack of attention he is receiving from his parent club manager – Jose Mourinho – he admits he likes the fact that opposition defenders take more notice of him.
“After my performances last season and in the last few weeks, they take me very seriously in the Premier League. That is nice.”
The Belgian scored 17 goals last season while on-loan at West Brom, and has started this season in a similar manner with four goals in three games at Everton.
Two weeks on from providing a brilliant assist for Ross Barkley in Everton’s victory over Newcastle, Lukaku set up Kevin De Bruyne’s goal for Belgium last night, and admits that it is an area of his game that he is working hard to improve on.
“I have always said that I am trying to add that to my game. That assist was important and I am satisfied.”
Of 17 goals scored for West Brom last season, Lukaku scored 15 of them from inside the penalty area.