Everton boss praises his star striker
Everton boss Ronald Koeman has hailed his striker Romelu Lukaku as ‘one of the best’, but concedes he needs support to thrive on a more regular basis.
Monday night was a successful night for Lukaku, who got a hattrick against Sunderland, his first goals for the club since March.
And Koeman has called upon Everton to replicate their second half performance at the Stadium of Light on Saturday night at home to Middlesborough.
“The offensive side of the team on Monday was great, much better in the second half,” Koeman said at Thursday’s pre-match press conference.
“For the team performance, don’t make an eight and next week a four. But of course it’s football.
“One day, you play better than the other. But if we talk about Lukaku, he is 23 years old. He did not have the pre-season he needed to be 100 percent. Now he is 100 percent.
“It’s always a boost. Strikers live for scoring. Lukaku is always a scoring player. But we need to support the boy to give him the chances to score.”
Koeman also revealed Gareth Barry “will be selected” for Saturday’s game, but he may have to wait to discuss a new deal, as it depends on the club’s situation in a year’s time.
“We will speak about that. If he is still the player we need, we will speak about next season,” added Koeman.
“It’s amazing, 600 games, 19 seasons in a row. He is still an important for us because he is a clever player.
“You have to minimise the training a little in the week.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
