Lukaku hails Koeman influence at Everton

Romelu Lukaku hailed Everton manager Ronald Koeman as the key factor behind his rise to the top of the Premier League goal-scoring chart this season.

The Belgian striker bagged four against Bournemouth at the weekend to take his overall tally this season to 16, one ahead of Alexis Sanchez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Diego Costa.

The 23-year-old is only two goals shy of his highest ever league return, while his sensational performance against The Cherries means he now sits second on the list of Everton’s Premier League goalscorers, his total of 59 one shy of Duncan Ferguson.

Since Koeman took charge of the Toffees in June, Lukaku has started all but one Premier League fixture and stated there is one area in particular where the Dutchman has helped to improve his game.

“Consistency. The manager now helps me with the extra details – with pressing, my running off the ball and also the mental aspect of the game,” Lukaku said.

(Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

“I’m a guy who works really hard on the training ground and I know hard work will pay off. That’s what the manager told me at the start of the season.

“I believed in his football philosophy and it helped me going forward. You always have to keep your mind open to different things.

“I trust the process of what he wants to do at this football club. He helps me and I’m delivering in whatever situation he wants to play.”