Arsenal legend Thierry Henry questions Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku transfer after Thomas Tuchel drops striker

Thierry Henry has reacted after Thomas Tuchel dropped Romelu Lukaku (Footage: Getty/CBS)

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has questioned Chelsea’s transfer for Romelu Lukaku after Thomas Tuchel dropped the club-record signing.

Belgium striker Lukaku has endured an underwhelming season at Stamford Bridge, scoring simply 5 objectives in 17 Premier League video games since returning to west London final summer time.

Lukaku was notably ineffective in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace – managing simply seven touches throughout the entire match – and he was benched for Tuesday’s Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 conflict with Lille.

Blues boss Tuchel insisted Lukaku was rested reasonably than dropped however the choice nonetheless proved controversial, with Eniola Aluko amongst these to criticise Tuchel’s transfer.

Requested for his tackle Lukaku’s struggles at Chelsea, former Arsenal and France striker Henry instructed CBS: ‘Proper from the beginning I raised a query to myself, would he match into this group?

‘As a coach once you go and get Lukaku, you'll have to make him adapt to the way you play, otherwise you change your option to swimsuit him. I didn’t assume that might occur.

‘For Rom to adapt to the best way Chelsea play, it takes time, it’s not a straightforward one.

Lukaku did not make an influence in Chelsea’s victory over Crystal Palace (Image: Reuters)

‘Is it regular that he solely has seven touches [against Crystal Palace]? No, that’s additionally not regular, regardless if the coach likes you or not. That shouldn’t occur.

‘They should transfer ahead on that however it’s a tricky one to learn. I’ll be sincere with you, I don’t know the way that occurs in 90 minutes. However what’s the answer?

‘The answer is for him to discover a answer to ensure he can adapt to the best way they play.

‘They prefer to press, to be lively and to vary the entrance three. He likes to remain within the center so it makes it very troublesome for him to adapt to the scenario.

‘However once more, why did you go and get him?’

Chelsea greater than coped with Lukaku’s absence on Tuesday night time, with Kai Havertz’s early header and Christian Pulisic’s second-half purpose incomes the Blues a cushty 2-0 win over Lille.

Tuchel’s aspect will journey to France on March 16 for the second leg as they appear to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and in the end defend their European crown.

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