Former Inter striker Jurgen Klinsmann believes Romelu Lukaku is one of the best forwards in the world, whilst lauding the impact of midfielder Christian Eriksen in their title success this season.
The Nerazzurri lifted a first Scudetto since 2010 under coach Antonio Conte this season, with Lukaku netting 23 league goals alongside strike partner Lautaro Martinez.
In an interview with Italian television broadcaster DAZN yesterday, former Germany international Klinsmann argued that Lukaku had become a crucial figure under Conte this term.
“I don’t know if there is a secret behind Romelu Lukaku, he is a great player, one of the best strikers in the world right now and with Belgium too. He’s had an incredible season,” Klinsmann claimed.
“The secret is that he is happy in Milan, with the people, with the club and above all with his partner Martinez. Together they have been a great partnership, scoring many goals. There is an understanding between them, they feel good together, each one knows where the other is going.
“Lukaku has matured as a person and character with his previous experiences and in difficult moments he dragged this team forward, you need grit and determination as a striker. Not only to score goals, but also in the dressing room. He was Conte’s right hand man and it was great to see from the outside.”
Klinsmann turned his attention to midfielder Eriksen, who forced his way into Conte’s plans after the turn of the year, having endured a difficult first 12 months at the club following his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020.
“Eriksen is an interesting example for everyone. There were problems before, he didn’t find his place in the team, he didn’t play from the start, everyone was wondering why he was bought.
“Then slowly he became settled thanks to Antonio Conte who found a place for him, he made him understand where to play. Conte is a strong character, Christian understood how to adapt to his system.
“It’s a compliment to Conte, he understood how to use him in the best way for his team. The way Eriksen has played in recent months was decisive for the Scudetto. There were free-kicks and passes for the attackers, but he also learned the defensive job. He worked hard to adapt to Conte’s system,” Klinsmann concluded.
Klinsmann joined Inter from Stuttgart in 1989 and scored 40 goals in 123 appearances for the Nerazzurri before moving on to Monaco three years later.
