Henry meets Lukaku

In a wide-ranging interview ahead of Friday Night Football, Everton striker Romelu Lukaku opens up to Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry.

The Belgian forward tells Henry how close he came to leaving Everton and the defining factor which made him stay.

With Henry able to get a closer look at Lukaku as Belgium’s assistant manager, the pair frankly discuss how the 23-year-old can take his game to the next level, starting with the game against Crystal Palace on Friday night, live on Sky Sports…

Henry: It wasn’t a secret that you nearly left the club – I found myself in that situation at Arsenal – and you stayed, so I want to ask you how influential was [Everton boss] Ronald Koeman, or did you stay because you loved the club?

Lukaku: I was really close, but I had a moment of reflection – for a week in pre-season – to see how the manager works and see what he sees in me as a player. I’m young and there are aspects of my game I need to improve. He worked with me on it from day one and I was convinced he was a man that can have a big influence on my future.

Henry: What would you say is the biggest difference between the boss you had before [Roberto Martinez] and Koeman, in terms of how he wants you to play?

Lukaku: With Mr Martinez I had a lot of freedom to express myself on the pitch. The second year he wanted me to play more as a target man and that’s something that has never been in my game, because my pace and running in behind is my strongest point.

But I learned it, and then the third year, for seven months I was unstoppable in the league, there was no way someone could hold me. But the last three months of the season, my level dipped and the team’s level dipped and it was sad how it ended with the former manager.

With Mr Koeman it’s a change, it’s different. I know that if I don’t do what he wants me to on the pitch, I can go on the bench straight away. He keeps me very sharp and focused in the training sessions and throughout the games which is going to help me.

Henry: What do you think you are missing right now? It might be a bit harsh, your goal ratio is good and I like to remind people that you’re only 23, but what do you think you’re missing to make the level of [Luis] Suarez?

Lukaku: More match-winning performances. For a striker of my ability I score the goals that I score, but I need to create goals. …

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