It's an underrated aspects of his game that I think is worth highlighting.
Lukaku Footwork Appreciation Thread
- Thread starter eat_grass
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I always thought he'd score goals for us if he got off to a quick start, but i've been pleasantly surprised how good he actually is with the ball at his feet most of the time, and he doesn't overly favour his left-foot either, another surprise
Nice thread. Need more clips.
Need more clips from other players too, 2017-2018 edition. 
Just look at his goal last game vs Stoke
...not sexy by any means but that’s not what was ever expected from Lukaku when we got him. What he is, is clinically effective in the box and that’s exactly what he did in his most recent goal and does a lot of the time. Controls the ball down, draws the defender(s) in, makes a few moves outmaneuvering + outwaiting them and finishes it off with ease.
That’s Lukaku at his most efficient and he makes it look easy where others who attempt his style would hesitate, not knowing what to do in such a position and fail.
...not sexy by any means but that’s not what was ever expected from Lukaku when we got him. What he is, is clinically effective in the box and that’s exactly what he did in his most recent goal and does a lot of the time. Controls the ball down, draws the defender(s) in, makes a few moves outmaneuvering + outwaiting them and finishes it off with ease.
That’s Lukaku at his most efficient and he makes it look easy where others who attempt his style would hesitate, not knowing what to do in such a position and fail.
Haha. Give me a game and time, and I'll add it.
I was just re-watching the Stoke City game, so that's the only I've made so far.
Pretty basic moves for an attacker.
Basically what he does:
1. Push the ball away relying on pace
2. 2 step overs and change directions (I can do that easily when playing futsal)
3. Shielding and control the ball using his inside foot (pretty basic)
4. Decent first touch, not overwhelmingly good.
5. Simple drag backs using his quick feet.
6. Heel flicks and aerial flicks are pretty basic for a big guy
Quick feet doesn't necessarily mean you are skillful, but in Lukaku's case having that big physique and pace is a rare combination. Sometimes it works, sometimes he overdoes it. What he showed in that GIF is that he is very efficient in what he's good at. Making him look neat and he is neat most of the time.
The benchmark of impressive footwork is Mata and obviously Pogba. Effortless.
Basically what he does:
1. Push the ball away relying on pace
2. 2 step overs and change directions (I can do that easily when playing futsal)
3. Shielding and control the ball using his inside foot (pretty basic)
4. Decent first touch, not overwhelmingly good.
5. Simple drag backs using his quick feet.
6. Heel flicks and aerial flicks are pretty basic for a big guy
Quick feet doesn't necessarily mean you are skillful, but in Lukaku's case having that big physique and pace is a rare combination. Sometimes it works, sometimes he overdoes it. What he showed in that GIF is that he is very efficient in what he's good at. Making him look neat and he is neat most of the time.
The benchmark of impressive footwork is Mata and obviously Pogba. Effortless.
Im not going to agree he has especially good footwork, its no better than youd expect for a player at this level, but he does have a knack of the ball still going roughly where he wants it to when he screws up. Martial's goal was one of many where he's managed to keep possession when he probably shouldn't have.
In a nutshell,
Simple yet very effective and efficient.
Simple yet very effective and efficient.
Yep I agree. I've been pleasantly surprised by how well he's linked up at times. The game against Arsenal stands out to me.
Definitely a thread-worthy idea.Need more clips from other players too, 2017-2018 edition.
I don't think this will be a particularly long thread. The Stoke match was the first time I can remember really appreciating his footwork, and all of that was contained in the 30 second clip in the OP.
What I will say though, is he might well be one of the best crossers in the team.
What I will say though, is he might well be one of the best crossers in the team.
I have a feeling i will like this thread
Do you also consider the benchmark for goalscoring to be Messi?
Went hunting for another clip from the Arsenal game and got mesmerized and watched the whole first half.
I'll just add more from future games as we go along.
I'll just add more from future games as we go along.
.....that is godlike benchmark. Ridiculous.
he gets it right from time to time
His crossing is great too.
Some nice moves in the video's ill admit. Making a thread to appreciate his footwork is pushing it though
ps: what's with the scouse lover thing. Have I been bad?
ps: what's with the scouse lover thing. Have I been bad?
He seems to have a good footballing brain; it’s his height and size that make him look clumsy. And that’s why he gets a lot of unfair criticism.
Yep everyone that supported Liverpool against Man City in the match day thread got a banner like yours.ps: what's with the scouse lover thing. Have I been bad?
That cross at the end of the first clip is a belter. If only he was on the end of it too.
His overall play is underrated. He's often seen as some sort of 15-stone Chicharito or something, but his contribution outside of the box has been a lot better than I expected prior to signing him, as all we ever heard about was his supposed first touch like a trampoline.
His overall play is underrated. He's often seen as some sort of 15-stone Chicharito or something, but his contribution outside of the box has been a lot better than I expected prior to signing him, as all we ever heard about was his supposed first touch like a trampoline.
Hahaha, ok fair enough, I did support Liverpool, I even cheered their goals, I'm a dirty dirty boy.Yep everyone that supported Liverpool against Man City in the match day thread got a banner like yours.
I just violently dislike Pep, City and oilmoney clubs.
Exactly what I had in mind when I watched the clip. To me there is nothing special, I agree it's just basic footwork. RVP's footwork is what I call it impressive.
I think the one that let us down with Lukaku is not about his footwork, it's actually when we are about to attack and when we are on counter attack, his heavy first touch really let us down. He tends to lose it when defenders are right behind his back.
His footwork is really amazing for his size and power. I really like his style of playing and he seems to be such a class act off and on the pitch.
Good footballer once he has the ball under control but also needs time and space to control it which just screws him huge in big games. Was surprised to see in the Liverpool game all they did to nullify him was to stay tight and nick it off his toes as he laboured to trap it. Didn't show any fear of getting turned by Lukaku
Rooney also had a gash first touch but getting it off him wasn't so straightforward
Rooney in his world class years and his teenagers days had very good first touch. It started in 2011 when his first touch started to get worse, worse and so on.
He showed improved footwork in the Stoke game but don't think it's anything remarkable for a player of his calibre. Think he was just short of confidence the last run of games but is starting to get back on form and this is showing in his overall play.
- Would like to see one on Mata, seen him have a few absolutely amazing first touches this season. Once from over his head dropping down like a missile with a defender on his back, can't remember which game it was but seen similar in a few games by him this year.
- Would like to see one on Mata, seen him have a few absolutely amazing first touches this season. Once from over his head dropping down like a missile with a defender on his back, can't remember which game it was but seen similar in a few games by him this year.
Lukaku's footwork has been improving through the years, and most notably during his time in Everton. I do remember when he was transferred to Everton, there were different comments from his old Chelsea teammates that he is like a football encyclopedia for Premier league. Meaning, watched every game and observed the movement from the defenders and most efficient attacking moves used by different attackers in the league. Thus, at some point he was meant to be more efficient in 1on1s, being such a physically dominant forward.
And in the end, decision-making improves with experience and memories -> the more you watch and play, the better decisions you make.
Edit: http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/23/romel...of-every-single-premier-league-match-4088319/
And in the end, decision-making improves with experience and memories -> the more you watch and play, the better decisions you make.
Edit: http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/23/romel...of-every-single-premier-league-match-4088319/
I reckon if you try really hard you can get to a list of ten things that are really basic to do. Just ten basic things and you're worth £75m...
Pretty sure I've seen him do similar in other games recently.
His footwork is definitely good most of the times. There was one or two heavy touches in the opposition box, other than that couldn't be more happy.
Seems to be down to confidence with him. When on form he's a terrific player and quite skillful. But he seems to have dips. At one stage he went several months without a goal Everton. A few weeks ago he barely looked like a footballer.
I generally think he's a very good player and I like the fact that he was able to drag himself back into form. He's determined, resiliant and doesn't let a bit of criticism keep him down. I just wonder what causes the dips in form/confidence in the first place? Hopefully it won't be a recurring theme.
If weaponised, the confident dominating beast Lukaku could make the difference for us. His physicality is almost unique in a top level genuinely talented footballer. He's one of very few good footballers that could also literally just dominate any defender through sheer power and athleticism.
I generally think he's a very good player and I like the fact that he was able to drag himself back into form. He's determined, resiliant and doesn't let a bit of criticism keep him down. I just wonder what causes the dips in form/confidence in the first place? Hopefully it won't be a recurring theme.
If weaponised, the confident dominating beast Lukaku could make the difference for us. His physicality is almost unique in a top level genuinely talented footballer. He's one of very few good footballers that could also literally just dominate any defender through sheer power and athleticism.
In the match against Stoke, commentator mentioned something like he is showing others how to do it in reference to his good cross. Also I like his goal against Stoke, showed his strength, determination and hit it at such a pace, fantastic striker play.
I was impressed at the time due to my expectations, but looking back at it now, it's not really that amazing. I'm certain at least 80% of professional footballers could pull of that backheel. The drag-back was nice.
Don't bully me please
I’ll start with:
7.Kick football into corners of goal repeatedly
Was being sarcastic about the post I replied to. Not supportive of it.
I’ll start with:
7.Kick football into corners of goal repeatedly
His football brain with the ball at his feet impresses me, he rarely makes poor decisions and seems to have decent vision, however his feet are terrible. if a smaller, weaker and slower player had his level of technical ability he wouldn't even be in the league.