Romelu Lukaku

Squad No: 18
Position: Forward
Age: 18
Birth Date: May 13, 1993
Birth Place: Antwerp, Belgium
Height: 1.90m
Weight: 94 kg






Few teenagers have attained the level of fame and attention that Romelu Lukaku currently enjoys. A top scorer in Belgium last season, a full international and with all of Europe's elite clubs taking a keen interest in his progression, it is remarkable to consider that one of the continent's most recognisable young talents is still at school.

But in football terms, his education is largely complete. At the age of only 16, Anderlecht striker Lukaku finished the 2009-10 Belgian campaign as the league's top scorer with 15 strikes from 33 appearances, despite often being utilised as a substitute. His impact also extended to the Europa League, where, in December 2009, he became the third youngest goalscorer in European club competition when netting against Ajax at the age of 16 years and 218 days.

Lukaku replicated his form in the 2010-11 season and continued to be linked with a move away from Anderlecht. Jose Mourinho admitted he wanted to bring the striker to Real Madrid while the teenager was pictured wearing a Chelsea shirt during a tour of Stamford Bridge - sparking speculation that West London could be his destination.

Finally, in August 2011, Lukaku agreed a deal in the region of £20 million to join the Blues and new boss Andre Villas-Boas hailed him as a ''very exciting young talent''.

Strengths: An imposing physical specimen, Lukaku is strong, tall and quick, and possesses the positional awareness and quality of finishing to mark him out as a superb all-round striker. He is also a focused and determined character.

Weaknesses: Few, though there is a concern that remaining at Anderlecht will stunt his development a touch. He may benefit from developing a more rounded game, rather than being honed as a lone striker.

Career high: Finishing the 2009-10 Belgian season as the league's top scorer, despite still attending school.

Career low: Missing out on a place in the 2010-11 Champions League when Anderlecht were defeated by Partizan Belgrade in a penalty shoot-out in the play-offs.

Style: Dominant, explosive, prolific. A potential phenomenon.

Quotes: "There are only about 15 clubs around the world who can afford to pay for him. But if a club comes here with €20 million, they will return from this trip empty-handed. We want more for Lukaku, much more." Anderlecht's general manager Herman van Holsbeeck, November 2010.

Trivia: Romelu Lukaku's father, Roger, was a professional footballer in Belgium, while his younger brother, Jordan, is also on the books at Anderlecht.