It feels like a distant memory, but last summer’s Premier League transfer window was largely dominated by one debate: Romelu Lukaku or Alvaro Morata?
Manchester United and Chelsea were both in the market for a new centre-forward, a no-nonsense No. 9 to lead the line and bang in goals. Lukaku and Morata were the two options and, while both talented and relatively young centre-forwards, they were different in terms of background. Lukaku, for example, was accustomed to life in the Premier League, but lacked experience of competing for a top club, and performing in the Champions League.
Morata, meanwhile, was the opposite. He had showed glimpses of magic for Real Madrid and Juventus, reaching Champions League finals with both, but the English top flight was something new. Also new was the concept of being his side’s main striker, given he was previously part of squad rotation systems alongside other top-class centre-forwards.
Eventually, Lukaku went to Manchester United and Morata joined Chelsea. Both sets of supporters claimed they’d emerged with the better striker and, at Wembley in Saturday’s FA Cup final, the two strikers have the chance to prove it.
Lukaku has enjoyed the better campaign. Spearheading a team that has occasionally provided him with little service, he has nevertheless demonstrated his all-round capabilities. He runs the channels excellently, his finishing has been consistent and he has improved in two areas previously considered a weakness.
His link play has been outstanding at times, although he could use extra support from midfield, and his heading ability, a question mark in his early days, has brought three of his 16 league goals. He also contributed well in the Champions League, with five goals, while in the FA Cup he has scored five goals in as many games and had the assist — albeit somewhat fortunately — for Ander Herrera’s semifinal winner vs. Tottenham.