Romelu Lukaku spoke like a leader once again last night after Belgium began their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with victory over Wales.
The Inter striker put the finishing touches to a 3-1 win in Leuven by scoring a penalty in the second half.
Lukaku played the full 90 minutes for Roberto Martinez’s side and admitted the Red Devils had plenty of room for improvement on their performance.
“It was a frustrating game for the whole team,” the 27-year-old told RTBF after the match, as quoted by FcInterNews.it.
“It was difficult to make good combinations but we reacted well after conceding the opening goal; there was more desire than quality.
“We’ve started our campaign well but we know we can do much better.”
Speaking to VTM shortly afterwards, Lukaku was asked whether his experience of playing defensive-minded teams in Serie A helped him deal with Wales’s cautious approach last night.
“It wasn’t an easy game but it’s true, it’s always like this in Italy and I have to say Wales played well,” he added.
“It’s not easy to play in these circumstances but I try not to complain too much.
“Now we want to return to playing the football we represent, or rather lots of possession and a good attack.”
Lukaku was also asked about his penalty, which enabled the forward to continue his perfect record from the spot since joining Inter.
“I had a feeling we’d get a penalty because I’d already been caught in my back earlier in the game,” he joked.
“I’m used to waiting until the last few minutes because I’ve seen a lot of comebacks.”
Belgium will play their next game in the Czech Republic on Saturday, before concluding the international break with a game at home to Belarus on Tuesday.
Lukaku will return to Serie A action with Inter at Bologna on April 3.