Standing at 6’3’’ and built like brick s***houses, Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku both share a distinct ability to absolutely boss center-backs. Both are charged with doing as much for their club sides, Everton and Crystal Palace.
On Friday night, the two players went head to head in a match surely watched by Belgium manager Roberto Martinez and his assistant Thierry Henry. While the two strikers share some qualities, they’re incredibly different in their approach play.
Robert Koeman has his Everton side setup to get the most out of Lukaku, much like Pardew has his Palace charges instructed to supply Benteke as often as possible.
While Lukaku is much more directly involved in Everton’s buildup play, Benteke is charged with finishing off all of Palace’s good work. According to Opta, Lukaku completed 20 passes, two of which led to chances for Everton.
Benteke completed 15 passes, none of which led to chances for Palace. Meanwhile, Lukaku contested 10 aerial duels, winning two of them. Crystal Palace’s direct approach was mirrored in Benteke’s involvement in 20 aerial duels, winning nine of them.
The players have extremely different qualities with what they offer to an attack — Lukaku is much more likely to take his defender on with the ball at his feet. Benteke is at his best when receiving the ball with his back to defenders.
Lukaku’s wide range of skill was exemplified by his stunning free kick.
What a STUNNER from @RomeluLukaku9!!! Watch his amazing free kick NOW. https://t.co/nnERXjyaZ0
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 30, 2016
Benteke’s limited, but still awesome, approach was exemplified by his towering header.
INSTANT REPLY: @chrisbenteke shows his Belgium teammate Romelu Lukaku that he can also deliver goals. #PLonNBC https://t.co/j7emKeHBeX
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 30, 2016
Lukaku has been preferred by Martinez to start his reign as manager of Belgium. Against Cyprus, Lukaku scored a brace in their 3-0 victory. As for Benteke, he didn’t get off the bench.
With players like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Alex Witsel, Belgium are setup to attack with an emphasis on possession and intricate movement.
Unfortunately for Benteke, his skill set just doesn’t lend itself to this approach. While his name will always strengthen Belgium on paper, he’s unlikely to make much improvement on a less-than-impressive goal scoring record for his national team.
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