Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku made an unforgettable debut for Everton, scoring a decisive goal in a match that showcased the club’s effective transfer dealings. Despite being knocked out during the process of scoring, Lukaku’s impact was undeniable, transforming a game that was slipping away from Everton.
Romelu Lukaku revealed: “Seamus (Coleman) came up to me and I said: ‘Who scored?’ He said: ‘You did!’”
Greg O’Keeffe wrote: “Everton’s deadline day business must rank as among the most effective of any top-flight club. The Belgian’s introduction at half-time helped transform a game which was threatening to slip away from Everton. Suddenly the Blues attack had a dynamic cutting edge. Lukaku was direct, powerful and had James Collins and Co. worried from the moment he nearly created a chance with his first couple of touches. Then came his late goal – that barn-storming header which he does not remember, after he was knocked out cold in the process of scoring by a clash of heads with Joey O’Brien.”
Lukaku’s goal was not only memorable for him but also for everyone else witnessing the match. Before Lukaku’s match-winning header, Everton had to equalize twice through Leighton Baines’ exceptional free-kicks. Baines’ performance was reminiscent of Kevin Sheedy, showcasing flawless technique and significant influence on Everton’s spirited comeback. His contribution was so vital that Everton’s chairman, Bill Kenwright, refused offers from Manchester United for the defender during the summer transfer window.
Greg O’Keeffe continued: “The defender’s flawless technique and swagger was Kevin Sheedy-esque, and his overall influence on Everton’s spirited fightback simply underlined why Bill Kenwright refused to entertain any offers for him from Manchester United during the summer. For the Blues he was unsaleable, for West Ham he was unplayable – at times arguably the best left-back in Europe is so good it is scarcely believable.”
Gareth Barry, another of Everton’s summer on-loan recruits who would later join permanently, also praised Baines. Barry, having played alongside Baines and against him, recognized his world-class abilities, particularly his proficiency in scoring from free-kicks and his defensive solidity.
Gareth Barry said: “I’ve seen from training with him at England and playing against him that Bainesy is a class act. You can put him in the world-class bracket when he’s doing things like that. Two free-kicks in exactly the same spot in different sides of the goal – there’s not too many players in the world who can do that. He’s not just got that ability to go forward and score penalties and free-kicks though. He’s so solid at the other end as well and if you speak to Sylvain Disitn I’m sure he loves playing alongside him for his defensive duties too. He’s been very consistent for a number of years.”
Lukaku’s debut and Baines’ performance highlighted Everton’s strategic transfer decisions and the depth of talent within the squad. The match served as a testament to the club’s ambition and potential in the Premier League.
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