"Lukaku has the potential to become an amazing striker. He's only 23 years old and is only getting better. I think he can emulate Patrick Kluivert. He eventually played for Barcelona and I can see Lukaku doing the same," Ronald Koeman told HLN back in 2016.
The Belgian striker is said to be on Barcelona's radars these days as Blaugrana eye Erling Haaland alternatives. Lukaku and Koeman worked together while at Everton.
The 27-year-old has netted 26 goals in 35 appearances for Inter Milan across all competitions this season.
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Big chances missed in 2020/21: Haaland 2nd, Messi outside top 10
Leo Messi hasn't converted 11 big chances for Barcelona this season – but Cristiano Ronaldo missed three times more!
'Top' 10 players in big chances missed
- 1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) - 33
- 2. Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund) - 26
- 3. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) - 24
- 4. Timo Werner (Chelsea) - 23
- 5. Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan) - 22
- 5. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) - 22
- 5. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) - 22
- 8. Kylian Mbappe (PSG) - 19
- 9. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - 17
- 10. Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona) - 16
- ... Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 11
What's interesting, Messi has registered an overall xG of 24.3 in LaLiga and the Champions League this term. Stats show he's overperforming this season as he has already netted 28 goals in these two competitions.
Koeman comments on if he'll rest Messi vs Valladolid amid potential Clasico suspension
"We know Messi and De Jong are close to suspension, but I don't think it's time to rest, there are 10 games left. The risk always exists, but the players must keep that in mind. I have to put the best team I believe in tomorrow," Ronald Koeman has told the media ahead of the Real Valladolid game.
Leo Messi and Frenkie de Jong have picked up 4 yellow cards each, meaning that if they get booked once again, they'll miss the next game.
Barca will take on Real Madrid at the Alfredo Di Stefano right after the Valladolid encounter.
