• June 24, 2022
• Helgi Llozana

Lukaku or Lukakus

Price tag aside and from a certain point of view, Lukaku is far from an unprecedented flop, but a representative archetype of a host of underwhelming players, especially attackers, who have been signed in the last decade. Fernando Torres, Willian and Timo Werner failed and are failing to perform to the required standard. Even tragi comical cases such as Michy Batshuayi, Radamel Falcao, Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain who became memes, are examples of Lukaku “clones” that illustrate the lack of cohesiveness in acquisitions, indicating once again the hit and miss quality of incomings.

The main reason for this occurrence has to do with the fact the Club hasn’t employed a Director of Football since Michael Emenalo’s departure five years ago. To follow a path that would likely bring sustained success through planning rather than chaos and most likely avoids further Lukakus, another Michael should be convinced to come on board.

Indeed, Michael Edwards is my first choice for the position of Sporting Director. His credentials at Liverpool since being appointed in 2016, are impressive. His data analysis and data-oriented work has led to a vast improvement in the way the Merseyside club has gone about their transfer dealings. They have been measured and proactive, and have stayed away from a risky, flamboyant approach.

Along with Lord Daniel Finkelstein’s contribution who is famous for being one of the pioneers of data in football, Edwards could turn out to be the ideal antidote to Lukaku-type signings.