Jurgen Klinsmann believes Romelu Lukaku is one of the world’s five best strikers and has set the Inter forward a challenge for the rest of this season.
Lukaku has netted 22 goals in 29 games in all competitions so far, scoring another two in the Nerazzurri’s 3-1 win over Lazio on Sunday, which reportedly triggered a €1 million bonus payment from Inter to his former club Manchester United.
Klinsmann had nothing but praise for his successor at San Siro, having himself spent three seasons playing up front for Inter in the 1980s and 1990s.
“Lukaku is among the best five forwards in the world, he has a very particular style,” the former Nerazzurri striker explained in an interview with sports broadcaster ESPN.
“He is not as smooth or as elegant as Robert Lewandowski for example or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has a different style, but he has his strengths and he plays them to his best.
“I think he should be proud of himself so far this season and if he continues like that, if he can score 10 more goals in the remaining 16 games it would be outstanding.”
Former Germany and United States national team coach Klinsmann proceeded to outline some of Lukaku’s strengths as a player.
“He has great speed as he showed for Inter’s third goal against Lazio which he gave the assist to Lautaro for.
“Lukaku also has a great willingness to work hard for his teammates, to come back defensively and clean things up.
“He is a great teammate.”
Lukaku’s goals against the Biancocelesti propelled Antonio Conte’s side to the top of the Serie A standings for the first time this season.
Inter can open up a four-point gap over AC Milan with a victory in Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina.