‘In order to compare them with others, we need to win’: Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte insists Romelu Lukaku and Lauturo Martinez still have room for improvement… after Belgian’s agent labelled him ‘the best striker in the world’
- Antonio Conte wants to see even more from in-form striker Romelu Lukaku
- Lukaku enjoyed a stellar debut season and has six goals in seven so far this year
- Conte says Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez must still improve to be seen as great
- His words come in the same week Lukaku’s agent said striker is the world’s best
Antonio Conte has laid down the gauntlet for the in-form Romeli Lukaku, insisting he needs even more from his star striker in order for him to one day be considered one of the greats.
Lukaku enjoyed one of the most successful debut seasons ever in European football history during the last campaign in which he swapped Manchester United for Inter Milan, scoring 34 goals in all competitions to become the first Inter star to do so in a maiden season since Ronaldo.
Beginning the current campaign in sizzling form Lukaku has six goals in seven games – leading his agent to label him the best striker on the planet right now – but Conte is still in search of more.
Antonio Conte says Romelu Lukaku has improved but must still step up his game to be a great
‘They [Lukaku and Martinez] made huge improvements and they can become even more important for the team,’ Conte told reporters during his pre-Champions League press conference on Monday.
‘In order to compare them with other [great strikers] at European level, we need to win, it’s the only way to carve out an important place in Europe.’
Lukaku scored 34 in his debit season with Inter and already has six from seven this campaign
Conte’s rallying words for Lukaku stand in quite stark contrast to the Belgian’s agent, who has already declared his client as the best striker on the planet right now.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Federico Pastorello said: ‘Romelu is a modern player and a sensitive person.
‘He needs love, when he feels everyone’s affection he really becomes the best the market can offer, even if Inter obviously do not intend to sell him. In terms of quality, attitude and mentality, he is currently the best striker in the world.’
Pastorello has also turned the knife when it comes to Lukaku’s former club United, implying the Belgian is much more appreciated in Italy.
‘His transfer to Italy was the right decision and the best choice for him. Inter are a great family and the fans are completely crazy about him.’ he added.
Conte feels Lukaku and strike partner Lautaro Martinez (right) need to help the team win more
Inter return to action this week when they face Ukrainan outfit Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
Shakhar enter the fixture as top of the group after pulling off a shock opening match victory over Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Inter meanwhile have just a point to their name after drawing 2-2 with Borussia Monchengladbach, courtesy of a Lukaku brace.
