Lukaku: Koeman has helped take me to the ‘next level’

Ronald Koeman has helped take in-demand striker Romelu Lukaku to the next level, the Belgian forward has declared.

The 23-year-old scooped Player of the Season and Players’ Player accolades at the club’s annual awards night after netting 24 Premier League goals.

The striker turned down a new contract earlier this year amid speculation his future lies away from Goodison Park.

Photo caption: Getty Images

But Lukaku thanked his manager for helping develop him into the probable Golden Boot winner.

He said: “I’m very happy. I want to thank the manager for pushing me, even though sometimes I’m not always an easy guy. He’s taken me to the next level.

“As a young guy, I just try to learn every day and give my best. Sometimes there are ups and downs but it’s always with the best intentions.

“I want to help my team-mates win and I have tried my best this season.”

Lukaku has failed to score in his last three league matches for the Toffees, his joint longest drought of the campaign.

The Belgian has two years left on his current contract and while collecting his accolades, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright told him: “I do hope we see many more goals from you, Rom.”