Lukaku says he'll be worth more than £28m

, 14 February, 119comments  |  Jump to most recent

Romelu Lukaku says that if he continues to develop as a player the way he believes he can he will more than justify the record transfer fee Everton paid for him last summer.

The 21-year-old followed up an impressive loan spell with West Bromwich Albion in 2012-13 where he scored 17 goals with another 15 on loan with the Toffees last season before making his £28m switch from Chelsea.

Much has been expected of Lukaku but with Everton struggling to replicate the form that took them to within touching distance of Champions League qualification in Roberto Martinez's first season in charge, the Belgian international has battled to meet high expectations and has scored just seven Premier League goals so far.

He partially blames his less-than-stellar form this season on poor preparation after the World Cup and an early season toe injury but he also cites worries over his father's health. He also rejects suggestions that the Blues paid too much for him, though, saying he will be worth a lot more in years to come. "After the World Cup negotiations dragged on my transfer. The season was over, but I did not know where I was going to play."

"And then when I was sure, there was only one week left before the season started. Some said I was suffering from pressure after my transfer to Chelsea. But I just did not have good preparation."

"I have seven goals in the Premier League and ten goals in all competitions. If I had not had my injuries, I would have had four or five more. But I can live with ten.

“In the first game I injured my heel. Then I injured my toe. That continued to drag on.

“I kept playing because I wanted to help the team. The games against Chelsea and Arsenal (in August) I should never have been allowed to play. Few people know that but for those matches I've had four injections in my foot to play.

"So, no, the transfer fee of €35 million was not enough for me," Lukaku told HLN in Belgium. "For me, that isn't limit [of what I'll worth]. If I take a step forward, I'll be worth even more. You will not hear me say that €35 million is too much money.

"No, I will fully show that I'm worth that amount. I will do anything to increase my value still."

However, he's well aware of a drop in form and speaking to Sport Wereld in Belgium (as reported by Sport Witness) he explained that's down to personal reasons and his father being ill. Lukaku is very close to his family and his father hasn't been able to attend a match at Everton so far this season.

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"In addition to the injuries there were some private matters. My father has been for a long time ill. Many people don't know that. Just before the World Cup, he was urgently admitted to the hospital.

"The trainer knew it, because I told him. I could not keep lying. Normally he would follow me to Brazil. He couldn't go. Since then he has still not even been to England to attend a match. Football is my only way to get out all frustrations. My father was my first coach. He is my mentor. If something happens to your father, football comes in second place. I will not tell you what he just had. It's still difficult. With ups and downs."

We must pull out all the stops. I have not given up the fight for the European places. As long as it's not done mathematically, you have to continue to believe in it.

Lukaku has also been affected by the death of close friend Junior Malanda last month but he remains focused on the remainder of the season and he revealed that he has not given up hope of finishing in the European places come May. "Is it true that Jordan could have gone to Torino and I to Juventus?" he continued. " Absolutely. In the end we decided that Everton for me and KV Oostende for my brother were better options... Also Wolfsburg made ​​me an offer, but Everton is the right choice.

"I just want to score more and stay injury free and finish as high as possible in the Premier League of course. We must pull out all the stops.

"I have not given up the fight for the European places. In football, especially in England, the race starts after March.

“As long as it's not done mathematically, you have to continue to believe in it.

“We also have to show people that we really want to win the Europa League. That's my big goal. To win a trophy. I want to win the Europa League and my teammates know that."

 

Reader Comments (119)

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James Marshall
1 Posted 14/02/2015 at 15:44:02
Talk about blow your own trumpet. WhoÂ’s he trying to kid?

No wonder Mourinho had issues with him. HeÂ’s starting to sound like Ibrahimovic.

James Stewart
2 Posted 14/02/2015 at 15:47:35
Talk talk talk. Should spend more time practicing putting the ball away from 6 yards!
Andy Crooks
3 Posted 14/02/2015 at 15:46:38
I believe he will be worth more. None of us have any idea what is going on in players personal lives. I do know that I have shit that sometimes affects my mundane job.So, maybe we should pass over the nonsense he spouts and hope heÂ’s as good as he thinks he is.
Eugene Ruane
4 Posted 14/02/2015 at 15:56:25
"And theyÂ’d say Â’I know what you mean, the Everton centre-forward guyÂ’"

Link

Rob Halligan
5 Posted 14/02/2015 at 15:52:19
"No, I will fully show that IÂ’m worth that amount. Stronger I will do anything to increase my value yet"

LetÂ’s hope so then, because that means he will be scoring goals for fun in the final third of the season. IÂ’m still waiting for him to regain his form and goalscoring since the turn of the year, which Bobby M promised us earlier in the season.

Tom R Owen
6 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:02:27
Actions ALWAYS speak louder than words.
Karl Jones
7 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:09:31
His heads getting bigger by the day..What next?
Michael Kenrick
8 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:18:33
Much longer piece on him in The Mirror.

Getting sick of reading about him to be honest.

Steven Telford
9 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:16:56
Give the kid a break.

And, from an EvertonianÂ’s point of view, itÂ’s better that his dip in form is from personal reasons rather than dissatisfaction with the cub or manager.

Say what you will, but from his overall stats he has shown himself to be a Â’goal every two gamesÂ’ sort of striker, and there are not many of those around.

Lenny Kingman
11 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:12:31
ThereÂ’s something about him that reminds me of Samson.

He looked good and fast and dangerous with those dreads blowing like a cat oÂ’nine tails behind his speeding head.. Since losing his hair all strength and power has left him. Most notable among lots of poor efforts was that amateur dab at the ball within a couple of yards of a big goal at the Bridge on Wednesday evening.

You can see how the Belgian had problems of an egoist nature with the special one. And how Mourinho must have been delighted, and somewhat astounded, when the Blues stepped in with a much larger than expected transfer fee.

HeÂ’s turning into Andy Carroll.

Daniel Lim
12 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:22:57
CanÂ’t understand why there is so much hatred towards him and some other players.

If your dad had been so ill for so long...

John Daley
13 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:25:02
Haha. HeÂ’s on a roll isnÂ’t he?

IÂ’m suddenly reminded of the last time I saw someone with such misplaced faith in their own ability. Lukaku will be releasing his cover version next week:

Link

Daniel Lim
14 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:27:06
I agree with you Lenny.

I think he was a much better player when he had the old hair style. I even tweeted him asking him to grow back that hair and get back that hair style.

Darryl Ritchie
15 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:09:27
Three things;

Potential. Lukaku has a lot of it. It remains me to be seen if he can realize his. 28 mil plus, though? A long ways to go.

Self confidence. Rom has a lot of that also. I believe, in his own mind, he believes heÂ’s a world class striker. Not yet.

Illness in the family, in particular, parents. We all have to face it, sooner or later. ItÂ’s never easy. 21 is very young to be facing this. I wish him well.

Jackie Barry
16 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:33:29
DoesnÂ’t a player need to be self confident to realize their potential? The fact that he hasnÂ’t yet is no big deal considering his age. People turn on players but rejoice in the knowledge that we have such a loving owner... lol.
Rob Halligan
17 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:28:04
WouldnÂ’t say people have so much hatred for him, Daniel #12. I think itÂ’s more frustration. However these mitigating circumstances explain a lot. If your father, or mother, are ill, of course it would affect your performance. Would anyone on here say their performance at work would not be affected due to the illness / death of a close family member? Then to play games when injured, and having injections, probably cortisone, is not ideal either. Long term these injections can cause serious problems, though letÂ’s hope that is a good few years away yet for Rom, wherever he may be playing.
Jackie Barry
18 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:37:13
John, didnÂ’t Mirallas say he aspired to greater things than Everton a few weeks back?
Eddie Dunn
19 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:32:25
Yoda says ,"Patience you must have my young Romelu".
"Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future".
Robbie Riddal
20 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:41:35
Two things:

Firstly, "football is my only way to get out all frustrations."

Not doing very well then, is he? Given his ald man has been ill since before the World Cup, heÂ’s done very little to "get out all frustrations".

Secondly, given his personal circumstances and his woeful form, why has the manager not taken him out of the firing line? The one time he did, Kone came in and proved at least as adequate up front - more effective even in some areas, such as holding the ball up, putting defenders under pressure.

Lukaku may well come good in a few years but right now he is nowhere near good enough to be playing every week, let alone 90 minutes every week.

Jim Bennings
21 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:50:27
Score some fucking goals, lad, work hard, learn how to trap a ball, go up for headers, and start learning the offside rule.

Other than that, shut up and let your football do the talking.

Frank Crewe
22 Posted 14/02/2015 at 16:34:22
@Lenny Kingman 11

ItÂ’s not Carroll heÂ’s turning into itÂ’s Yakubu. One or two decent seasons then he turns to shite and wants a move to a club with more "ambition".

If he doesnÂ’t watch it that will be LukakuÂ’s career. A series of moves from one club to another and never hit the heights with any of them.

Maybe itÂ’s the perils of signing for a rich club like Chelsea at 16. Being told you are the next big thing at such a young age probably goes to your head. Since it turned out he wasnÂ’t the next big thing after all heÂ’s probably convinced himself that itÂ’s everybodyÂ’s fault except his.

Paul Tran
23 Posted 14/02/2015 at 17:12:56
Lukaku is a confident boy.....until he gets onto the pitch and things change drastically.

I hope he proves me wrong and starts rampaging round the pitch, scoring goals and winning us trophies. I have a feeling it will end in a sale for far less than we paid him, with Â’thanks and best wishesÂ’ all round.

Dave Abrahams
24 Posted 14/02/2015 at 17:18:14
Robbie (20) I think a lot of us want to see Kone but it doesnÂ’t look like he is fit, given the fact that he has hardly played since reaching the full fitness that Martinez said he had reached.

As you say he would be a good alternative to Lukaku, either starting or coming on as a sub.

Eric Myles
25 Posted 14/02/2015 at 17:38:43
He should learn to control a ball with his first touch, then maybe he’d be worth more than £2.80
Phil Walling
26 Posted 14/02/2015 at 17:33:26
Talking bollocks like this would have seen him laughed off the training ground by his team mates a few years ago.

Now Mirallas and others will be anxious to show they are not being left behind in the bragging stakes.

Which one of our super-stars will be the first to go for £50 Million, I wonder?

Ross Edwards
27 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:12:54
Come on. What do you want him to say?

Â’Er, yeah. IÂ’m shit, I donÂ’t know the offside rule, my manager is a 1 season fraud and yeah, IÂ’m off, see ya laterÂ’.

Franny Porter
28 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:15:20
"stronger I will do"......heÂ’s chanelling Yoda.
Eugene Ruane
29 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:15:20
Ross (27) - "Come on. What do you want him to say?"

Guessing I could answer that for many.

Nothing!

Brian Hill
30 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:10:31
This guy is little more than a child in an extraordinary position. Was he not signed by Chelsea at the age of 16? What do you expect from him when interviewed? The wisdom of Solomon?

Ross Edwards
31 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:24:32
ThatÂ’s probably the better option Eugene..
Alan McGuffog
32 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:31:59
Please please please tell me where he drinks. I would love to have a pint of whatever he is on.
Mark Dunford
33 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:31:18
Another strange interview from an Everton player. Something should be done about the PR/Comms at Everton – too many rumours, too many bad interviews, etc. The Stones piece in the Guardian last weekend was rather good but beyond this...
Colin Glassar
34 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:27:50
I was just going to write the same Brian. HeÂ’s like a big awkward kid but he has potential, loads of it.

He could, if he wants, become another Didier Droghba or he could become another Carlton Cole or Emile Heskey if heÂ’s not careful.

Steven Telford
35 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:33:41
The pool of talent is finite, but the amount of money chasing that talent is growing. It is basic economics to know that this new TV money is going to cause generalized inflation of wages and transfer fees.

Based on that above fact and his age, other things equal,I think whenever to do sell him, we will get more that £28 mil.

But, come on, give him a break, we know what he is capable of (a goal every 2 games), and we should be shouting for Martinez to deploy tactics that bring his talents into play.

Jim Bennings
36 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:39:13
Two league goals since the end of November Rom...TWO.!!

IÂ’m not talking about your price tag IÂ’m talking about your woeful return and your lack of movement and awareness, not to mention your shocking hold-up play.

Good strikers in the Premier League drag themselves into games when the team is not playing well, they lead by example with constant movement and busyness that keeps defenders on their toes.

Look at other strikers in the league and learn that how you can not only help yourself but your team is by keeping working, moving, and starting to use that physique better than you are.

A lot of talk about Everton as a team not playing to your strengths...Well maybe YOU are not playing to your own strengths mate.

Ian Bennett
38 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:52:25
A good talent, but IÂ’d prefer a bit more of a nasty streak in him.
Mike Price
39 Posted 14/02/2015 at 19:36:23
Ian (#38), I agree he needs to get nasty, or at least aggressive.

He also needs to lose some weight. HeÂ’s one of those players that needs to be physically perfect to be effective. HeÂ’s dripping with sweat and blowing after 5 minutes, heÂ’s heavy legged and lacks sharpness because heÂ’s overweight.

Paul Smith
40 Posted 14/02/2015 at 19:58:12
Mike Price – bang on. He’s carrying an extra stone.
Matt Muzi
41 Posted 14/02/2015 at 20:06:57
Good; I hope he is, then we can replace him!!!
Sean Kelly
42 Posted 14/02/2015 at 20:04:41
I’d rather a £28m striker with a ’fuck you’ attitude and willing to get hurt scoring than this soft sod felling sorry for himself at Everton.

Lukaku, if you think you are that good, then show it at our club.

Kelvin Thomas
43 Posted 14/02/2015 at 20:13:08
Well done, Romelu, for sharing your aspirations!!

He’s an Everton player on a long-term contract. It’s up to the club to match his ambitions!! £££...

Seb Niemand
44 Posted 14/02/2015 at 20:41:10
As long as he is worth £28 million to whoever we’re trying to offload him to, I could care less.
John Keating
45 Posted 14/02/2015 at 20:39:15
This shit about heÂ’s only 21 - so what? Alan Ball was the same age and he was a real superstar!

He needs to keep his trap shut until he really starts performing week-in & week-out. It might do him a bit of good to get a couple of tapes of Kane down Spurs way!

Eddie Dunn
46 Posted 14/02/2015 at 20:51:22
"If no mistake have you made, yet losing you are .... a different game you should play — Yoda.
Dan Parker
47 Posted 14/02/2015 at 20:51:27
In the ladÂ’s defense, he has worries about his fatherÂ’s health. Having gone through the same thing albeit it without earning a fortune, money just doesnÂ’t matter when it comes to family. The lad might be struggling mentally with whatÂ’s important, no amount of money will fix that. For us fans, heÂ’s been disappointing this season but to be honest, the rest of the team has been fairly woeful, provided poor service and heÂ’s still scored a decent amount of goals. The buck stops with the manager.

Reminds me of the Rooney effect, it was his fault when we lost and his genius when we won, a convenient excuse for the rest of the team.

He might have spoken in the press but lay off the lad a bit.

Andy Meighan
48 Posted 14/02/2015 at 21:05:48
Say one thing about about him, heÂ’s not short of confidence.

He reminds of someone you havenÂ’t seen for years and when you bump into them, one of his mates will say, "He was a boss player, wasnÂ’t he?" And you automatically think he was shite but politely answer, "Oh, er... yeah, he was alright."

Sorry, Rom, but that’s what I think about you... "He couldn’t trap a mouse with a ton of cheese" – is what readily springs to mind. The arrogance of this kid is mindblowing!

Stephen Jones
51 Posted 14/02/2015 at 21:41:30
Romelu is certainly an enigma and continues to divide opinion amongst fans and pundits. For a £28 million player, he has a poor first touch and many remain baffled why a guy with his stature and physique cannot win headers and boss defenders. Yes, he is only 21 and he will hopefully improve his skills, including how to play on the shoulder of the last defender and not continually be caught offside.

In his defence, I would say that, when he was at West Brom, and during last season at Everton, he was rampant and sometimes unplayable when he received the right service and support from his team. This season, Everton have been awful both in defence and attack. We have passed the ball backwards and sideways ad nauseum and donÂ’t appear to have anyone who can pick a killer forward pass. This is hardly surprising as most of our midfield are defensive minded. We donÂ’t have any players who can link defence to attack in a fluid and consistent manner.

It is clear that Lukaku thrives on the quick ball over the top, or through the defence, where he can use his pace to gain an advantage. Why does this manager set out his team and employ tactics which result in Lukaku playing with his back to goal which clearly not his forte?

We can criticise his general poor play and poor goal return, but this season, the guy has not had any decent service. Football is a team game and Everton this season (with the exception of Europa League) have been mostly poor. Loss of form of, and injuries to, key players, have contributed to poor performance but IMO poor tactics, and poor team selection on the part of the manager have been mostly to blame.

Ian Riley
52 Posted 14/02/2015 at 21:45:59
He will be worth more than £40 million if we play to his strengths. If and when we get the ball into the box he will score.

As a player he needs work harder from the front. Defenders are not scared of him. Constantly offside leads to conclusions of lazy and lack of motivation. I feel the style of play, pass, pass and pass must bore him to death. Last season we had energy but the manager is putting his ideas into the way we play.

The way the team have played this season, its difficult to be critical of one individual. Unless the manager changes his approach and style, we will be lucky to get our money back.

Colin Glassar
53 Posted 14/02/2015 at 22:21:50
The good news is Deulofeu is inching his way back to us in the summer. With Del boy down one wing, and Lennon down the other, Lukaku might get some of the service he craves.
Trevor Lynes
54 Posted 14/02/2015 at 22:29:27
I did not pick up anything from what he said that convinced me he wants to leave us!
Phil Walling
55 Posted 14/02/2015 at 23:01:42
Colin, IÂ’m not sure your hero likes to play two wingers at the same time. So Delboy Â’ inching his way backÂ’ by paying crap in Spain would not necessarily see him and short-term loan Lennon in the team together.

But why do you think Roberto will be calling the shots for much longer, anyway ?

James Martin
56 Posted 14/02/2015 at 23:08:27
Top players donÂ’t make excuses. Just get yourself fit and in form for crying out loud and stop blaming everyone else. If his football was half as good as his talking weÂ’d be fulfilling all his so called aspirations.
Trevor Peers
57 Posted 14/02/2015 at 23:10:47
As long as the manager allows his players to blurt off in the press with no restrictions were going to have this situation every week IÂ’m afraid.

It doesnÂ’t happen at any other club to this extent, it would be acceptable if we were flying high near the top of the league, but the position were in it damages us and makes us easy prey.

Gavin Johnson
58 Posted 14/02/2015 at 23:21:53
Going off the subject but did anyone see the YakÂ’s finish for Reading today? He still knows where the goal is. IÂ’d have taken him on a short term deal until the end of the season.
Colin Glassar
61 Posted 15/02/2015 at 00:37:51
I believe the loss of delboy was a major setback for Roberto, Phil as the lad was starting to strike a good understanding with Lukaku (unlike his fellow Belgian).
James Martin
62 Posted 15/02/2015 at 00:41:46
Gavin, I still maintain it was bad business selling Yakubu for the price we did at the time we did. He was good for us, had a horrible injury and was just coming back into form before Moyes sold him for buttons. He then went and bagged 17 goals for Blackburn.

We could have got a few more seasons out of him definitely. His top form with us was a world away from anything Lukaku has ever produced. Yakubu had the lot, touch, pace, real power, finishing off both feet and with his head, hold up play and creativity. HeÂ’d have got far more than 15 in last seasons team.

His weaknesses were fitness and aerial ability but Lukaku seems to struggle with these as well as with ever other aspect of the game that isnÂ’t making a run for a tap in, or belting it really hard with your good foot if the ball is in front of you.

James Flynn
63 Posted 15/02/2015 at 00:21:41
Trevor (54) - "I did not pick up anything from what he said that convinced me he wants to leave us!"

Because he didnÂ’t. Tempest in a teapot, this is.

Player gets asked the usual boring, mundane question. And he replies with the usual, boring, mundane response. So, Lukaku did.

Not sure where the "Under Moyes, this never..." is coming from. Heitinga, Is anyone still wondering why the editorial policy of local rags is "More breasts! Bigger ones!!!

James Flynn
64 Posted 15/02/2015 at 00:51:25
Whoops, my left key is acting up.

Perhaps young Johnny loves big breasts, God bless him, but that wasnÂ’t what I was getting at.

From Heitinga, thru FellainiÂ’s dad, to this thread; players just mumble out answers to boring questions theyÂ’re forced to sit and respond to.

Lukaku is doing his best. HeÂ’s at the point is his young career where muscling past defenders still applies, yet developing some finesse is required. HeÂ’s no longer simply destroying kids his age. ItÂ’s the big boys heÂ’s dealing with. HeÂ’ll work on it or he wonÂ’t and weÂ’ll see.

Gavin Johnson
65 Posted 15/02/2015 at 01:02:19
James (#63), Yak was some player in that first season. The injury combined with Moyes expecting him to work the channels and his poor motivation meant he was shown the exit. To be honest, I wasnÂ’t that sad to see him leave until he bagged 17 for Blackburn and it suddenly looked bad business on our part.

I get the impression that motivation was the key on whether he did the business, judging on how he seemed to get 2nd season syndrome at most of the clubs heÂ’s played for.

By the looks of it, heÂ’s motivated now at Reading, and seems like he could have been the shot in the arm we need for the remainder of the season, on a short term deal that would have been no risk to the club.

Eric Myles
66 Posted 15/02/2015 at 01:23:04
As some have said, he may well come good in a few seasons, just in time to leave on a Bosman.
Gaute Lie
67 Posted 15/02/2015 at 01:38:36
Lukaku has shown quality and for his age a drop in form is expected, especially when one look at his former tracking record. He should however be more committed to Everton, and so should the likes of Mirallas, Coleman and Baines.

Sorry to say this, honestly, but Mirallas and LukakuÂ’s outseaking the CL teams in the media would not have happened like this with Moyes in charge. Sort of tells me our Manager is probably more of a friend to the players than the Boss he should be.

Peter Barry
69 Posted 15/02/2015 at 03:44:15
"Lukaku hinted strongly last week that he was ready to quit Goodison Park just one season after his £28million summer move from Chelsea."

Â’Nuff said Lukaku, thank you and goodbye.

Frank Crewe
70 Posted 15/02/2015 at 03:59:30
Worth more than £28 million? At present the only way that is going to happen is if he has himself dipped in 24 carat gold.

Funny for what we paid for him we could have bought 7 Cahills and 7 Artetas. At least we got commitment out of them.

Ernie Baywood
71 Posted 15/02/2015 at 04:10:22
Players will suffer drops in form; thatÂ’s fine, just get your head down and work.

Listing excuses for poor form in the media just strikes me as someone who isnÂ’t prepared to put their head down and work. He says he wanted to play and the club let him when they shouldnÂ’t have done. Blah blah blah.

I wasn’t too arsed about the wantaway stuff but this is a lad who needs to take some responsibility and is publicly showing everyone that he can’t. Suddenly his performances make sense – he’s weighed down with excuses and hasn’t got the balls to make things happen despite them.

Frank Crewe
72 Posted 15/02/2015 at 04:19:52
I donÂ’t think Deulofeu wants to sign for us anymore than Lukaku did. If he comes back, the moment he hits any form and the CL clubs start sniffing around, heÂ’ll become unsettled and do exactly what Lukaku has done. Start whining about bigger clubs and pissing us all off,

We don’t need players who see us as a richer club’s waiting room. We need reasonably priced experienced players with realistic ambitions – not inconsistent young dreamers who fancy themselves as God’s gift to football,

Tony Draper
73 Posted 15/02/2015 at 05:17:36
Wolfsburg are apparently interested (press rumour....yawn).

So, if they do... let’s accept £28M OBO/ONO.
Personally, I reckon that Rom can become a terrific striker, just donÂ’t think we have the right environment at EFC these days.... principle factor being our wimpish moaners who reckon theyÂ’re Everton Fans.

CanÂ’t expect on the pitch what you donÂ’t deliver from the terraces/stands.

Tony Draper
74 Posted 15/02/2015 at 05:22:16
Meant to include the link......

Link

Sick of "wet knickered", whiners at the match.
Never applaud, sing, chant or encourage.... but OK to moan, whine, berate, jeer, boo.... but only Everton players.

If you really want better, then.... ACT better.

John Keating
76 Posted 15/02/2015 at 07:08:50
Rumour Wolfsburg – can you believe it!!?? – are interested in Lukaku. Well it looks as if they might get CL footy so get rid asap for £28 mill plus a quid.

Mirallas should go as a package. I think we got him for £6 mill so plus a quid will do!

Jim Bennings
77 Posted 15/02/2015 at 07:35:07
Tony

I think you can expect something mate. The fans pay hard earned money to watch ENTERTAINMENT!!!

Have we seen an ounce of it from these millionaires who constantly complain which club they are at or get drifted away to Middle East warm weather settings when they are not doing their job properly? Does your boss offer to take you away on holiday for a week to up your game at work?

Yes the fans are quiet but then again wouldnÂ’t most people if they were sat there watching football played at the same tempo as a chess match?

Maybe if we got forward more with quicker football and looked like scoring or even testing the oppositionÂ’s defence more the fans might get more "up for it"

Lukaku has insulted Everton Football Club and the managers faith in spending, smashing our club record by opening his big trap.

Would your average 21-year-old be allowed to open their mouth against their employers at a food chain where they worked?... No, because they would be sacked on the spot.

But because footballers are a protected species, they can say or do what they want safe in the knowledge they are set up financially for life.

But hey, to perform they all need encouragement from the fans otherwise they spit their little dummies out boo hoo poor little lambs.

Pete Edwards
79 Posted 15/02/2015 at 08:26:49
If heÂ’s not right mentally due to personal reasons, then he should be taken out of the team until he feels right again. DoesnÂ’t matter who it is, get some time away to clear the head and come back stronger.

And whatÂ’s with the Yak love? Been there, done that, great for a season or so and sold when it wasnÂ’t working for him or us anymore. Do people seriously think he would still be able to cut it at a Premier League team even short term?

You think weÂ’ve gone backwards this season.....yeh letÂ’s sign him!! Wow, letÂ’s get Marcus Bent or Andy Johnson back while we are at it!

John Keating
80 Posted 15/02/2015 at 08:35:44
Pete... dead right. Lukaku is making all the excuses of the day.
My dad is long gone but I reckon IÂ’d NEVER make his passing as an excuse for anything!

Plus if heÂ’s that concerned, what the fuck is he going off to Doha for????

Pete Edwards
81 Posted 15/02/2015 at 08:42:35
John, I wasnÂ’t aware he was off to Doha, surely a concerned son should be going to spend time with his poorly dad to make sure he is receiving the bet possible care?? Maybe he is...
Derek Thomas
82 Posted 15/02/2015 at 09:40:42
A poorish attempt at a face saver, all heÂ’s doing is moving around the egg on his face thatÂ’s already there.

Memo to Rom; when in hole stop digging... or talking... except with the feet.

Helen Mallon
83 Posted 15/02/2015 at 09:24:42
Forget Lukaku and his statement, a couple of goals and all will be forgotten; thatÂ’s how it is.

ItÂ’s Bill Kenwright and the board who need kicking out. The fans need to give him and his cronies more hassle at games.

Why is it that we only ever sell players in January and get rubbish on loan? The only player thatÂ’s ever helped us was Kevin Campbell. Last season was a great time to spend big and wisely in January and the board and manager failed us once a-bloody-gain.

I want a rich billionaire who will spend £40-50 mill on a player just so I can watch us challenge properly for cups and titles; I’m bloody sick of mediocre performances.

My eldest has said this morning he does not want to watch us anymore because his friends take the Micky. HeÂ’s seven and getting stick because we donÂ’t win. Ahh...

Tony Draper
84 Posted 15/02/2015 at 10:37:25
If Lukaku was supposed to be heading to Wolfsburg, then they donÂ’t exactly look so short of goals to me......

Link

Anyone know anything about that Leverusen lad?
Hat-trick in 11 mins doesnÂ’t sound too slouchy.

Hasan Noor
85 Posted 15/02/2015 at 11:34:30
What a waste of money......
Christine Foster
86 Posted 15/02/2015 at 12:00:24
What planet are some of you guys on? Welcome to the Premier League, where playersÂ’ allegiance is to money first, ambition second and club third. There are three types of players playing in the Premier League:

1. The stars, they have it all and command everything they want. They have to perform at the highest level of ability and expect to be amply rewarded when they do. Ego goes with the territory.

2. The wannabe, often young, good, with great potential, hyped to the eyeballs; they have inflated ego and value. They believe their own hype and use clubs as a stepping stone whenever and wherever they can. They seek the limelight and with the arrogance of youth strut their mouth often more than their feet..

3. Been there, done that, and bought the tee-shirt. The players who are over their peak or have peaked at a good enough level to play in the Premier League. Will never set the world alight but work hard to stay in the team.

Everton Football Club do not have any of the first, a few of the second and many of the third. We are a stepping stone for those with potential, a platform to build their worth on and, at the same time, keep the team playing at a level that puts it in the reckoning every now and again.

Ambition, potential and ego are a dangerous mix in a young player. We have seen many of our own turned by them; we should not be surprised when the potential stars we have talk of ambition. What is lacking is professionalism that is not taught to these young potential stars; there is a way to handle press and promote yourself and the club with dignity. Perhaps the club need to educate them in the art of professionalism as part of being in the team.

Tony Draper
87 Posted 15/02/2015 at 11:53:02
Jim @77

IÂ’m self employed, so I fully appreciate the full cost of my season ticket, as I have every single year since I was 18 (that means that my next one will be 40 in succession) and for every game that I attended prior to that, both home and away.

My point, Jim, is that "wet knickered" fans do the devil's work. Although, sadly, I must admit that at some point we do have a collective responsibility to say "Enough is enough!", but that does not start with one misplaced pass on a sunny Saturday when we are well ahead with minutes to go. Neither should it be withheld until the fate is sealed.

However, there is a tendency for far too many (both in the ground and here on TW) to display gutless criticism and panic. These bloody moaners do not lead the battle cries urging on our lads even when things are finely balanced... but they soon bottle out if we have an off day, or few off days.

There is a world of difference between paying for a ticket and supporting your team and if you donÂ’t believe that then take a peek at our neighbours or their best pals the other end of the M62. I donÂ’t want gutless half-hearted players or gutless half-hearted "fans".

Give me Denis Stracqualursi every single week before David Ginola, one genuinely tried to earn his money and the other was a fucking embarrassment.

Your seat in the ground has a price, but your support for the team while you are there costs you nothing.

Steve Harris
88 Posted 15/02/2015 at 11:56:21
Why all this adulation for Deulofeu?

Yeah he looked like he had great potential in patches but, and I know he was only young, he was very inconsistent and like Lukaku, was also deluded about how good he was. Supposedly couldnÂ’t wait to get back to Barca to walk straight into their first team, was promptly sent straight out on loan where he once again hasnÂ’t exactly set the world alight and now nobody else seems to want him so weÂ’ll have him back!

And even if he does the business for us, which is open to question, weÂ’ll then have the same old shit about him wanting to play again for a Â’big clubÂ’!

Colin Glassar
89 Posted 15/02/2015 at 12:31:03
Steve, thatÂ’s a bit unfair on the lad when heÂ’s got Neymar, Messi and sewer rat in front of him. ThereÂ’s probably only about three players (Ronaldo, Bale and Aguero) who would be able to challenge those three.

Barcelona have a bunch of kids like Affelay, Rafinho, Delboy etc... who will just have to move on if they want to play. He didn’t want to go to Seville and he’s made it (on social media) clear that he’s not happy there and doesn’t want to be loaned out again. I think £10m would do it.

Bob Skelton
90 Posted 15/02/2015 at 13:11:52
Watching the Villa at the moment. Is Benteke Lukaku’s brother? Both look crap... at least they didn’t pay £28 mill for him!
Steve Harris
91 Posted 15/02/2015 at 13:18:55
Well, Colin, I certainly wouldn’t risk £10 million on someone who, to say the least, has a hell of a lot to prove.
Colin Glassar
92 Posted 15/02/2015 at 14:01:59
I think you have to take a risk on potential, Steve. He was an infuriating player at times but he showed glimpses of magic (that goal against Arsenal) that I think he’s worth a measly (in today’s market) £10m punt. After all, he could turn out to be a £40m+ player in a few years time.
Gavin Johnson
93 Posted 15/02/2015 at 14:41:03
In regards to speculating on potential, Leicester City look like they might have found a player in Andrej Kramaric. I wish Rom could head a ball like that.
Brett Jonathan
94 Posted 15/02/2015 at 14:41:12
I think the problem with Lukaku is much simpler here, and it has nothing to do with him. Every day there seems to be a new article quoting him at the moment. The blame for all of this internal unrest (with both Lukaku and Mirallas) very much lies with the club.

Stop these idiots talking already! Step up Everton – media ban – whatever you want to call it. Just stop them already.

Jay Wood
95 Posted 15/02/2015 at 14:54:38
Tony Draper @ 74: "Personally, I reckon that Rom can become a terrific striker, just donÂ’t think we have the right environment at EFC these days.... principle factor being our wimpish moaners who reckon theyÂ’re Everton Fans. CanÂ’t expect on the pitch what you donÂ’t deliver from the terraces/stands."

And again @ 75: "Sick of "wet knickered", whiners at the match.
Never applaud, sing, chant or encourage.... but OK to moan,whine, berate, jeer, boo.... but only Everton players. If you really want better, then.... ACT better."

And this is what 40 years as a match-going season ticket holder has taught you..? Seriously?

I mean ... SERIOUSLY ...?

Tony Draper
96 Posted 15/02/2015 at 15:25:38
Yes Jay @96, very seriously.

Fans who have no grit and determination to do their level best to raise spirits and performance have no place in GP.

By comparison, our away support regularly set and indeed exceed the standards that all Blues need to aspire to.

Colin Metcalfe
97 Posted 15/02/2015 at 15:39:00
I really hope he goes in the summer; however, just how much we can get back of the huge transfer fee we paid for him is anyoneÂ’s guess.

Lukaku is a huge guy yet very rarely heads the ball, gets brushed off too easily by defenders, turns like the Titanic, and donÂ’t even get me going about his lack of control! People keep going on here about his age and he will get better but I am not so sure... he really does lack basic skills.

Mourinho was quite happy to ship him out every season because he simply wasn’t good enough for his team and Everton hand over £28M for this kid who had two okay seasons in the Premier League! I say get rid and use what we get for him a bit more wisely!

Thomas Surgenor
98 Posted 15/02/2015 at 16:41:54
Colin - IÂ’m with you on the Delboy punt! Easily (already) better than Pienaar and McGeady with undoubted potential.
Nicky Styles
99 Posted 15/02/2015 at 17:01:30
More than £28 Million??? Pff.... lucky to be worth £28 with the way he’s going. Get rid!
Paul Baker
100 Posted 15/02/2015 at 17:22:20
James Marshall (#1):

The difference is that whatever Ibrahimovich says, he keeps on producing goals on a regular basis: 184 in the last 8 seasons (thatÂ’s an average of 23 a season). Not to mention dozens of assists to his name too. The Swede has a huge ego and scores lots of goals. Lukaku only has a huge ego.

Paul Baker
101 Posted 15/02/2015 at 17:30:46
Sorry, thatÂ’s actually 205 goals over the last 7 seasons (29/season).
Phil Walling
102 Posted 15/02/2015 at 17:46:39
Yes, Colin, Delboy is one of the media moaners you disparage. No doubt he would add to the several we have here already. It wouldnÂ’t take him long on evidence of his play/ demeanour in Spain!
Colin Glassar
103 Posted 15/02/2015 at 17:52:08
Paul, not wanting to question ZlatanÂ’s record but he does play for a star spangled team in a crap league. Romelu on the other hand has 80 league goals in his short career.
Frank McGregor
105 Posted 15/02/2015 at 17:57:50
Duncan Ferguson during his training sessions should show archive tapes of Dave Hickson, Jimmy Harris, and Alex Young and make Lukaku sit through every one each week and he will then realize he is not even close to becoming a top centre-forward. If any of the above were still around Lukaku would never get a game.
Jay Wood
106 Posted 15/02/2015 at 18:07:50
Tony @ 96. Thank you for confirming a belief of mine that the judgement of a match going blue cannot and should not carry greater gravitas over those less fortunate and unable to attend, simply by dint of their pesence at the live match.

Your opinion that the principle factor of team or individual failings are Â’our wimpish moaners who reckon theyÂ’re Everton FansÂ’ is, to put it as kindly as I can, absurd.

Colin Glassar
107 Posted 15/02/2015 at 18:19:23
Thomas, I’ve heard €15M being quoted which is just over £10M. I imagine add-ons will be included as a sweetener.
Tom Bowers
108 Posted 15/02/2015 at 18:22:34
The big Â’if he continues to developÂ’ means one thing: score more often. Nothing speaks louder than goals when you are a striker and, quite honestly, he should be showing more this season after two good seasons with Albion and the Blues on loan.

Having said that, I am relieved Everton paid the money for him instead of Benteke.

Paul Dark
109 Posted 15/02/2015 at 19:33:23
I really like Rom and hope he comes good, but ...

... one thing he has in common with Moyes is that he says Â’IÂ’ at the beginning of important sentences, not Â’EvertonÂ’. I note that Moyes did the same at Sociedad when he joined.

Moyes was and is a selfer; Rom is a much more intelligent and talented man than the dreadfully mediocre Moyes, but he has a similar trait. It doesnÂ’t make him an Â’Everton playerÂ’ in the great traditions of our club, I fear.

Sean Kelly
110 Posted 15/02/2015 at 20:17:14
Lukaku just keeps totalling shite. While saying he been upset about his fatherÂ’s illness and that he misses him not being able to come to Goodison. Then why on earth when you have a break has he fucked off to Doha? Would have thought it was a great opportunity to get some time together. Or was it another chance to make more money. Fucking mercenary, fuck off.
Christopher Williams
111 Posted 15/02/2015 at 20:46:10
I am just an ’old-fashioned’ Blue brought up in Winslow Street. Surely our great club and loyal fans need greater respect from the players. Read our history – if you cannot be part of our family, then go... Because we do not want you!

It does not matter what how much you cost us, if you are not a blue like Duncan, well go and massage your ego somewhere different because we do not want you or need you! COYB!!!!

Brian Harrison
112 Posted 15/02/2015 at 20:59:00
Lukaku is exactly the same as Balotelli, both have a big opinion of themselves, both are lazy and neither scores enough goals and both Discarded by top clubs. Also add both overpaid.
Ian Burns
113 Posted 15/02/2015 at 20:49:15
Andy 48 - "couldnÂ’t trap a mouse on a ton of cheese" - that had me laughing out loud!

I have to admit feeling somewhat undecided about Rom. He must have something about him for EFC to pay £28m. Yet he looks unfit at times and maybe he needs a couple of goals to get him back on track.

What he says to the media – particularly where translation is an issue – is a case of a 21-year-old not having the nous of what to say and what not to say but I agree with those who think he should do his talking on the pitch. Get a growing reputation by knocking in a few before saying things that will come back and bite you in the ass.

There is something wrong with our coaching as I have noticed one or two of our players "blowing" early; Barry doesnÂ’t appear to the as fit as he should be despite his age and maybe if Rom had better service over a longer period of time, he will come good at EFC.

That is my hope anyway as I only want to see players succeed here, not move and succeed elsewhere.

Tony Draper
114 Posted 15/02/2015 at 21:44:22
Jay @106
You have no notion whatever with regard to the sacrifices I have chosen to make during hard times, in order to ensure that I have held a season ticket every year for these last 40 years. My choice and one I have no regrets about.

As regards your statement: "a belief of mine that the judgement of a match-going blue cannot and should not carry greater gravitas over those less fortunate and unable to attend, simply by dint of their presence at the live match."

Clearly this chip of yours sits uncomfortably upon your own shoulder, but has absolutely zero relevance.

Colin Glassar
115 Posted 15/02/2015 at 22:18:59
Since neither the club, nor the player, have offered an official statement either confirming or denying this, IÂ’ve come to the conclusion that this was either misinterpreted, misquoted or, simply falsified. In other words, total bollocks.
Brin Williams
116 Posted 15/02/2015 at 22:26:58
Self belief is one thing but......
Trevor Peers
117 Posted 15/02/2015 at 22:04:41
We have all become frustrated during our poor spell; itÂ’s a great shame after last season when we played some marvellous football and scored lots of goals.

Regarding Lukaku, I think the lad has suffered the same frustration and because we donÂ’t have a quality playmaker putting him into good positions, he now lacks confidence and thatÂ’s vital for any striker. He was unlucky at Chelsea, that Cech save was world class.

We all thought Ross would provide him with the service he needs but for whatever reason it just hasnÂ’t happened. For me that has been the biggest disappointment this season.

Whoever plays up front will need quality service and we must invest in a playmaker in the summer as a top priority IMO.

Jay Wood
118 Posted 16/02/2015 at 01:01:09
Tony @ 115 you have my respect that you go the match and have had a season ticket for 40 years. No need for the violins and hankies. (To coin your own phrase, it has absolutely zero relevance).

But ... your now thrice repeated claim that it is principally the failing of the fans to support the team that results in poor collective and individual performances is still absurd. But you obviously seriously believe it. Hey-ho ...

Tony Draper
119 Posted 16/02/2015 at 01:16:30
Jay @120
You played the violins and hankies, not me. I stated: As I said "My choice and one I have no regrets about."

DonÂ’t pathetically attempt to saddle me with your sad, self confessed obsession (again highlighted below).
"a belief of mine that the judgement of a match-going blue cannot and should not carry greater gravitas over those less fortunate and unable to attend, simply by dint of their presence at the live match."

I stand by my assertion that wimpish and moaning fans do not rouse the team to a higher level pf performance.

And, let me say further, that such mindless, gutless reaction does not improve the development of younger players. Of course, if you have information and examples to the contrary then please expound this amazing theory. That way, when the team is announced at GP against Leicester, we can all boo our adverse encouragement and really beef them up before the kick-off!

Could this be based upon LFC fans continually sitting in the boozer? Does this lend them more right to express an opinion upon Everton than Blues who actually see live football in the same stadium that itÂ’s being played in?

Peter Barry
120 Posted 16/02/2015 at 03:09:18
I have a tee-shirt I bought here in Bali... it says Â’Grumpy Old ManÂ’.

I think I’ll send it to Tony Draper – he obviously suits it more than me.

Rahul Sreekumar
121 Posted 16/02/2015 at 05:32:39
Loved how one gentleman above put it about how Lukaku turns like the Titanic... hahaha! TW can be depressing at times (reflective of our current season) but we have no dearth of witty similies... :D
Michael Kenrick
122 Posted 16/02/2015 at 06:04:41
So, Tony Draper, reading between the lines, there are certain requirements 'proper' Evertonians must display? And other tendencies, which they seem to have shown too much of for your liking this season, that they must curtail? Or you will, from your ivory tower, dismiss their credentials as Everton fans? Have I got that right?
Neil Pickering
123 Posted 16/02/2015 at 08:48:50
Everyone's going on about 'potential' with this lad, but if you just focus on his technical attributes alone then he clearly isn't good enough and won't improve much in future. He's 21, and he should be technically mature now. He's not 8 years old.

The only things he may get better at are his movement and timing of runs, which coincidentally is comparable with an 8-year-old. Even if he was saying he loved Everton, I would still look to sell him. The lad simply doesn't have the mentality to be a top player.

Tony Draper
124 Posted 16/02/2015 at 08:48:47
Michael @122
Don't bother reading between anything. I have said what I meant in my own words and anything else is supposition or conjecture on someone else's part.

To me, supporting the team means getting behind them. Booing and jeering is not supporting them.

Dave Lynch
125 Posted 16/02/2015 at 09:10:51
So Tony.

I sit in the stands with my lad, I've paid over £100 for the day all told and watch as we serve up more ineffective footballing shite.

I am now supposed to stand, clap, cheer and be grateful?

That violin you mentioned, it's not Nero's by any chance, is it?

Tony Cheek
126 Posted 16/02/2015 at 09:25:01
"Romelu Lukaku says that if he continues to develop as a player the way he believes he CAN". Surely that should read HAS? .....don't think so!
Charlie Burnett
128 Posted 16/02/2015 at 11:56:18
It just proves that he worked his socks off while on loan to get signed away from Chelsea and get that 5-year contract. Having that set in stone, we now see the Lakaku that Jose was looking at.... I don't want to knock the lad because we have seen him at his best, like Arsenal last season at home was out of this world...

I do believe he gets told how to play his game; for example, don't chase down defenders, when, while we're watching, we're thinking "What a lazy twat" but he is probably getting told save the energy for the little bursts when needed.

All the Delboy talk – I would love to have him at Everton... but seriously, he didn't enjoy us – that's why we couldn't get him back on loan this year. Luis Enrique said we ruined his game... we took the flair out of him.

Peter Gorman
129 Posted 16/02/2015 at 15:51:30
Tony - "Could this be based upon LFC fans continually sitting in the boozer? Does this lend them more right to express an opinion upon Everton than Blues who actually see live football in the same stadium that it’s being played in?"

I don't want to read between the lines but I have no idea what point you are trying to make here as you again crowbar in a reference to seeing live football in a stadium. Do you have a point?

Glen Garrett
131 Posted 16/02/2015 at 18:27:22
A two bob nob

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