Former AC Milan defender turned pundit Alessandro Costacurta has spoken on Lautaro Martinez’s massive growth spurt this season compared to last season.

With over half of the season to go, the 22-year-old Argentine international striker has already bettered his goal tally of nine from last season having netted a total of 13 goals in 19 appearances across all competitions.

“I have the impression that Romelu Lukaku would not be how he is if he did not have Lautaro Martinez by his side, whilst I think that Lautaro would still perform the same as he has even with someone else next to him,” Costacurta explained in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia show Sky Calcio Club

“I think he is one of the most grown up players, he has grown a lot. Last year he did not play much, some blamed Luciano Spalletti but he was not put in the best of conditions to succeed.”