Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea forward's struggles analysed on MOTD

Romelu Lukaku set an unwanted record after managing just seven touches in Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

That’s the fewest number of touches by a player in a Premier League game since records began in 2003/04.

One of those touches came from kick-off in the first half, too. Ouch.

A quiet afternoon for the Belgian, then, who has flattered to deceive this season following a £97.5 million move from Inter Milan.

That controversial Sky Italia interview still hangs over Lukaku, who has scored 10 goals in 27 appearances, and after the Palace match Thomas Tuchel rejected suggestions that his tactics are to blame for the forward’s struggles.

Asked if his formation was to blame, Tuchel replied: “No, no, no, it’s not about the system.”

He added: “It is what it is. For him it’s not the change of system because it’s the same attacking structure. We always attack in a 4-1.”

Tuchel wasn’t willing to let his striker off lightly.

However, Alan Shearer’s analysis of Lukaku’s performance against Palace sheds some more light on his lack of involvement.

Shearer highlighted various instances where Lukaku’s teammates, including Kai Havertz, N’Golo Kante and Hakim Ziyech failed to play the ball to the Belgium striker despite opportunities to do so.

In addition to this, Shearer expected to see Lukaku work harder for the ball, and to demand it.

“There’s no point paying £90m if you’re not going to play to your forward’s strength. It’s very frustrating,” Shearer said.

“I know what I would be doing at half-time and also on the the training ground. 

“And it’s clear that they’re not working on things on the training ground because they’re not doing it in the game for him, or for the team.”

Check out his analysis below.

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