Upon joining Serie C club Pontedera from Pro Sisto, former Inter youth academy player Cristian Mutton had glowing words to say about Inter striker Romelu Luaku.

“He is my prototype as a player,” Mutton said, “because he has incredible physical skills, but also combines them with excellent technique and great speed, which is very rare in football.”

For youth team players like Mutton, Lukaku’s form in the previous two seasons under Antonio Conte represents a great inspiration, as his game has been so integral to Inter’s ability to counter-attack, press, maintain possession, and compete in all other facets of modern football.

Mutton calls Lukaku “glue” for his team, and in this sentiment we can see how the younger generation of strikers regard having a complete skillset as important and model their games after Lukaku.

Lukaku’s ability to succeed with the tactical training of Antonio Conte is also a great inspiration for younger players.

Mutton also spoke highly of his experiences in the academies of Bologna and Inter, emphasizing the boost to his confidence from working with big and historic clubs, and stating that “everything I have learned I am bringing with me.”