Nicolo Barella has endorsed comparisons between his Inter team-mate Romelu Lukaku and legendary basketball player Shaquille O’Neal.
The Belgian international is often likened to the former Los Angeles Lakers star in the Italian media due to their ability to use opposition defenders as pivots.
Speaking in an interview with sports broadcaster DAZN, Barella agreed with the comparison before giving insight into the difficulties of facing Lukaku in training.
“Both of them use their physical strength as their greatest weapon,” Barella explained,
“Romelu is also much more than just that though.
“Even in training to move him, two or three have to cling on to him, he is a force of nature.”
Lukaku joined Inter during the summer transfer window ahead of the 2019-20 season and he has been prolific since arriving from Premier League side Manchester United, where he had fallen out of favour.
The 27-year-old, who is contracted with the Nerazzurri until 2024, has scored a sensational 50 goals in 72 appearances in a black and a blue shirt. He also has nine assists.
This season Lukaku has scored a total of 16 goals in 21 appearances to date, most recently finding the net in the 6-2 win over Crotone on 3 January.
