At Inter Milan, Romelu Lukaku has not only been a prolific goalscorer but also a vital playmaker. His ability to link up play and create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates sets him apart from a traditional centre-forward. This article delves into the data behind Lukaku's surprising assisting skills and distribution patterns during his time with Inter. Goalscoring Formations
Lukaku is most effective in the following formations:
4-2-3-1
4-3-3
3-5-2
Key Matches for Assists
In these matches, Lukaku demonstrated his passing abilities alongside his finishing prowess.
Inter 5-2 Bologna (Serie A, April 2020) – 2 assists
Lazio 1-2 Inter (Coppa Italia Final, May 2020) – 2 assists
Inter 6-2 Sampdoria (Serie A, June 2020) – 2 assists
Atalanta 4-1 Inter (Serie A, October 2020) – 2 assists
Leicester 0-2 Inter (International Champions Cup, July 2019) – 2 assists
Through these games, it became evident that Lukaku could be more than just a target man; he could orchestrate attacks from deeper positions. Through-the-Balls and Through Passes
Lukaku excels in playing through balls and long passes, often involving him in attacking moves. For example, during the Coppa Italia final against Lazio, he played a superb through ball to Alexis Sánchez for the second goal.
Distribution by Zone
According to Wyscout data, Lukaku's distribution is strongest from the final third of the pitch, where he can exploit spaces created by defenders. He completes 78% of his attempted passes in this area. Through Passes in 2019-20 Season
During the 2019-20 season, Lukaku completed 15 through passes, creating 11 chances. This demonstrates his ability to unlock defenses and set up his teammates. Corner Kicks and Free Kicks
While not a specialist in dead-ball situations, Lukaku occasionally takes corners and free kicks, using his height and power to create goal-scoring opportunities. He has scored several headed goals from set pieces under Inter boss Antonio Conte. Conclusions
Romelu Lukaku's skillset extends beyond just scoring goals; his vision, technique, and awareness make him an important cog in Inter Milan's attacking machine. His data shows that he is a well-rounded forward who can influence games both directly and indirectly.