‘Enormous quality’ – Courtois speaks on ‘strange’ treatment of Chelsea star

Lewis Oldham
Courtois speaks on Lukaku

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes it is “strange” that Romelu Lukaku has struggled for Chelsea as he is a player with “enormous quality”.

Lukkau failed to score from his 15 appearances during his first period at Chelsea.

Following prolific spells at the likes of Manchester United and Inter Milan, he returned to the Blues last summer.


Ranking the PL teams by goals scored in 2022, because Spurs


Lukaku has scored twelve goals from his 35 outings across all competitions this term.

The Belgium international has fallen down the pecking order in recent weeks. He has not started any of Chelsea’s last four league games.

Kai Havertz has played ahead of Lukaku. The German has performed well as he has grabbed four goals and an assist from his previous four outings.

Courtois returns to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday as Real Madrid face Chelsea in their Champions League quarter-final first leg.


Ahead of this game, the goalkeeper has backed Lukaku to “get through” this tough period:

“I know Romelu is a really great striker. Obviously, it is a bit strange not to see him play that much lately,” Courtois said (via Eurosport).

“He is a guy with enormous quality. He finds the goal easily. Obviously there are other great strikers in Chelsea. I understand it is not always easy when the team is winning, obviously, the manager keeps playing the same players.

“But I’m sure he will get through it. Sometimes you just need a little adaptation. I had the same thing in my first season at Real Madrid, it wasn’t easy. I’m sure he will come through.

“I’m sure he will be good but I hope it’s not tomorrow [Wednesday]. He can wait one more week.”

Elsewhere, Glenn Hoddle believes Lukaku only has himself to blame for his poor form:

“The missing piece is nothing to do with Tuchel, it’s nothing to do with how Chelsea play. He’s got to look himself in the mirror.

“He’s got to look himself in the mirror and say I’ve got to get the best out of myself. He is no way near the player he was since he had that interview. Since he had that injury.

“I don’t know if he is fit enough. He doesn’t look really lean and fit to me. Maybe he’s worked on the wrong things. He may have worked hard but he may have worked on the wrong things.”