Antonio Conte believes that Chelsea haven’t yet managed to get the best out of £97.5 million summer signing Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian striker joined Chelsea from Inter Milan – the club that Conte coached to Scudetto glory last season before leaving.
Under Conte, Lukaku scored 47 league goals in 72 appearances, further cementing his reputation as one of the best strikers in world football.
After signing for Chelsea, he scored four goals in his first four appearances in all competitions, including a brace against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
In that time period, he also scored three goals for Belgium in World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Czech Republic.
However, in his last three starts – against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Juventus – the 28-year-old has failed to find the net for Thomas Tuchel‘s side.
Conte on Lukaku
Conte suggests that Chelsea haven’t yet been able to get the best of Lukaku so far this season, but thinks that if they can, they will be amongst the favourites to retain their Champions League crown.
Speaking on Sky Italia (quotes via Daily Express), he said: “During the game, there are moments when Lukaku needs to be turned on. But other than that, he is one of the toughest forwards to play against because he can do damage in any area of the pitch.
“If you have a centre-forward like that, you need to use him, and I don’t think Chelsea have quite figured out how to use him yet.
“Last season they didn’t have a proper centre-forward, so they rotated positions, whereas Romelu is a real reference point in attack.
“If they can figure out how to use Lukaku, then Chelsea can become the team to beat in the Champions League this season.”
Chelsea are next in action on Saturday when they take on Southampton in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.
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