Lukaku vs Icardi vs Belotti vs Lacazette

Which striker would you sign

  • Total voters
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One of the things our attack misses is a striker that can press the CB's and move them around, Lukaku does well in an Everton side that gets to counter attack a lot but his movement and pressing from the front isn't all that great and I don't think he'd be great against all the packed defenses we face. Icardi is an enigma to me, every time I see him play he hardly touches the ball, yet he has the most assists of the 4 and he's the best finisher of the 4, but his personal shenanigans I think will see top clubs avoid him.

Lacazette doesn't have the hold up play to suit Jose and is usually at his best when in a partnership. I've seen a lot less of Belotti so I can't really say, but his attributes are very much in line with the type of striers Jose tends to like.
 
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Raees said:
Disagree on that point. International form tells you alot more about whether or not a player can take that next step and play for a big side. You get some anamolies, but in general it is a good indicator of how a player will fare under greater scrutiny and tougher defences. Plus with Belgium being one of the world's leading sides, they usually are the team dictating proceedings and he is playing alongside the likes of KDB/Hazard, so it is a good way of analysing how he would fare when teams are having to defend for their lives against them.

For me Lukaku can be brilliant in the right game where space is afforded to him and it is a chaotic game.. he thrives in those type of matches. But as soon as you put him against a good defence or a well drilled side, his game falls to pieces and he looks clumsy.

Players like Defoe, Darren Bent.. not as good as Lukaku granted but they are strikers who can almost look world class at smaller sides but you wouldn't want them in a top side where teams will be focused on defending against you.
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National teams are not fully familiar with each other, so I wouldn't put much weight into those performances.

Sorry I don't agree with your post. Space is afforded to him? No, he makes space with his pace and strength. Also how to assume how well Icardi will do against teams that won't afford him space?
 
Lukaku would be perfect for us. I see him as the long term successor to Zlatan. He's strong, knows where the back of the net is, holds the ball up well, good movement and good at heading. He's perfect for Mourinho's system.
 
OohAahMartial said:
Really hope we can finally offload Rooney and Schweini so our wage bill can get players who offer more productivity. Of transfer fees only Smalling or Martial would fetch a good fee and I really hope we don't sell Martial. I'd be tempted to not buy a CB next Summer either what with the revelation of Rojo and Jones, Bailly being first choice and exciting youth prospects.
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Yes, selling these players players even for a low fee will be great since it will save us millions on wages. The recent sale of Memphis and Schneiderlin gives me hope that we'll be able to get atleast a decent fee for our players unlike earlier. If all our CBs can maintain this level for the whole season without any major injuries, I don't see us needing a new CB as well.
 
Not fully convinced by Lukaku. Are these really the best 4 options?
 
Icardi>Lukaku>Belotti>>>Lacazette
 
LuisNaniencia said:
I don't think he lacks the attributes. His 4 goals the other day demonstrated that, they were all quite different goals and required various attributes to score. His problem is consistency.

What attributes do you think he lacks?
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Think he's abit clumsy on the ball, certainly not a good enough dribbler to be compared to the top strikers around. He's strong but doesn't use his strength particulary well. When I watch him I think his hold up play leaves a lot to be desired for such a big guy and that's even more apparent if you compare him with someone like ibrahimovc who holds the ball up superbly and brings others into play much more easily.
 
Lukaku is such a bottler in big games. I use to love him but seen him miss too many chances against top opposition.
 
Lukaku would always be my preference purely due to his potential (theoretically) and his experience in the league. His attributes and traits are nice on paper too.

I must say though - I watch Everton now and again and find him awful at times (really putting me off the idea). That said, I think Everton are shite, awful to watch and have thought so for a long time so I'm not sure how much his inconsistency is down to him or the team he's spear heading.
 
Think Lukaku may very well end up as the PL's all time scorer if he stays in the league.

I'll go with him.
 
Raees said:
No he isn't but despite his more limited game, I can see him tactically being a decent fit for a side like Athletico and his touch/sharpness/finishing ability and mentality is > Lukaku, so I think there is less chance of him sticking out like a sore thumb or slowing down an elite attack.

Lukaku can clog up an attack when his touch isn't right, we have seen that for Belgium where he suddenly looks extremely limited and that all round game he has goes to pieces. At Everton he has more space to work with.
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Has Icardi got better finishing than Lukaku? Wouldn't surprise me if Lukaku had one of the best conversion rates in Europe this season.
 
BigDunc9 said:
Has Icardi got better finishing than Lukaku? Wouldn't surprise me if Lukaku had one of the best conversion rates in Europe this season.
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Icardi's last season was the highest in all of Europe's top 6 leagues, IIRC. Zlatan at 24% last year. Eep. :(

Slightly behind from last year, but a still very good tally nonetheless:


According to this article, as per January 6th, Lukaku's conversion rate this season is at 29%, which is very good, and seems to put him ahead of both Belotti and Icardi if the above graph is true.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/row-zed/romelu-lukaku-been-more-clinical-7129482
 
No idea about Belotti but Icardi is a baller.
 
BigDunc9 said:
Has Icardi got better finishing than Lukaku? Wouldn't surprise me if Lukaku had one of the best conversion rates in Europe this season.
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Thanks @DWelbz19.

I am maybe harsh with Lukaku, was just thinking what of his big match performances I actually rate.. and I think it is his performance v Chelsea in the FA cup. Against a strong defence, but he really put in an elite level performance that day. That is the sort of intelligence and finesse I would like to see from him against solid well organised teams of a high calibre.
 
I am not familiar with Belotti, but from the other 3, I'd pick Lukaku. The guy is a monster. He's already one of the best strikers around, but in a year or two, when he finds consistency, he will be unstoppable.
 
Adam-Utd said:
He lacks nothing apart from consistency. I think playing for Everton sometimes if they aren't doing well he can sulk a bit. He clearly feels better than most of his team mates, so his attitude isn't always for the team.

If he played in a team that was regularly owning the ball and giving it to him he would be on fire. He's a 1 man wrecking machine that can score all sorts of goals. Not many have his size but speed to go with it.
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Agreed.

TrustInJanuzai said:
Think he's abit clumsy on the ball, certainly not a good enough dribbler to be compared to the top strikers around. He's strong but doesn't use his strength particulary well. When I watch him I think his hold up play leaves a lot to be desired for such a big guy and that's even more apparent if you compare him with someone like ibrahimovc who holds the ball up superbly and brings others into play much more easily.
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I must admit I wasn't aware of just how good Ibra's hold up play was until he signed for us. It's truly world class.
 
Raees said:
Thanks @DWelbz19.

I am maybe harsh with Lukaku, was just thinking what of his big match performances I actually rate.. and I think it is his performance v Chelsea in the FA cup. Against a strong defence, but he really put in an elite level performance that day. That is the sort of intelligence and finesse I would like to see from him against solid well organised teams of a high calibre.
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Having scored 4 goals from 4 shots on the weekend it would of only improved since then. He has to improve against the big teams I agree but the whole team has been shite the past 2 seasons so it would of made it hard for him.
 
André Silva should be included in the conversation, too, IMO - especially since his overall skillset is better than the likes of Icardi and Lacazette (former is a more specialized striker, and the latter is not a very good 9 fit for a Mourinho team). Silva is more comparable to Morata in terms of his hold-up ability and workrate (though Icardi is no slouch in that department), he is a proven scorer at every level - 2nd highest scorer at the U-19 European Championship, shared 2nd highest scorer at the U-20 World Cup, 4 goals in 5 games for the Portuguese national team, and one of the better young players in the Champions League this season with 4 goals in the Group stages:
Defender: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
Defender: Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona)
Defender: Victor Lindelöf (Benfica)

Midfielder: Thomas Lemar (Monaco)
Midfielder: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern München)
Midfielder: Renato Sanches (Bayern München)
Midfielder: Raphaël Guerriero (Borussia Dortmund)

Forward: Christian Pulišić (Borussia Dortmund)
Forward: André Silva (Porto)
Forward: Ousmane Dembélé (Borussia Dortmund)
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http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2431805.html

Gets discounted because he plays in the Primeira Liga, but he has acquitted himself well in European club football and international football. Lukaku, Icardi and Lazette are more proven (Belotti less so), but Silva could be the better striker in 2-3 years, IMO - and if Zlatan stays, he could be progressively integrated into the team. We should take advantage of the Mourinho-Mendes connection to sign some of the best Portuguese players around, instead of letting go to the likes of Atlético.
 
He's far too young. Mourinho won't want him leading the line for another few years at least.
 
DWelbz19 said:
He's far too young. Mourinho won't want him leading the line for another few years at least.
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Yeah, you're right, mate. It's a pity that there's no Diego Costa type plug and play striker available in the market (who Mourinho could buy to compete for the title straightaway - like in his second season at Chelsea), and some of the more complete (and arguably better) prospects like Silva, M Dembélé and Dolberg are too inexperienced at the first team level to directly take over from Ibrahimović. Same goes for Rashford, I guess - who is probably 2-3 years away from being a more polished and consistent line-leading number 9 for a Mourinho team. Lukaku and Icardi would be the best outside bets - but both players aren't without their flaws, so even if we do buy them, it'll very much be a leap of faith situation.
 
Invictus said:
Yeah, you're right, mate. It's a pity that there's no Diego Costa type plug and play striker available in the market (who Mourinho could buy to compete for the title straightaway - like in his second season at Chelsea), and some of the more complete (and arguably better) prospects like Silva, M Dembélé and Dolberg are too inexperienced at the first team level to directly take over from Ibrahimović. Same goes for Rashford, I guess - who is probably 2-3 years away from being a more polished and consistent line-leading number 9 for a Mourinho team. Lukaku and Icardi would be the best outside bets - but both players aren't without their flaws, so even if we do buy them, it'll very much be a leap of faith situation.
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Wonder if it'd be in the best interests of every party involved for Mendes to send Silva the way of Monaco for even further development for a few seasons, and then make the jump up, considering how successful Jardim has the side this season. It's so difficult for strikers his age - Dolberg is another example - to get consistent gametime for a top-tier side unless they're a youth academy product or already in the side (and even then, it's divided into sub appearances and gametime outwide; e.g. Rashford).
 
Lukaku looks decent, but I feel like going from Zlatan to Lukaku would lose us a lot of quality on the ball, and the mentality of a winner.

Icardi I don't want, purely because he seems like a feckwit of a person, but people who rate him, rate him highly, so the player should be pretty good. No thanks though.

Balotelli has to be a joke. feck no.

Lacazette do seem tempting, but I don't think I want someone who has expressed that their dream is to move to Barcelona. (could be wrong, but think I've read that somewhere). Not that I know enough about him to say he'd be good on the field, but that along with me not feeling sure about his qualities puts me off a bit.

Overall I'd want to see Zlatan here for a year or two more, and hope that Martial and or Rashford develops into fine replacements. And if not, I hope someone takes a step up in the world class bracket that we can buy.

Suppose if given the choice between those on the list, I'd go for Lukaku or Lacazette, but above them, despite his wish to play for Real Madrid, I'd want Aubameyang.
 
DWelbz19 said:
Wonder if it'd be in the best interests of every party involved for Mendes to send Silva the way of Monaco for even further development for a few seasons, and then make the jump up, considering how successful Jardim has the side this season. It's so difficult for strikers his age - Dolberg is another example - to get consistent gametime for a top-tier side unless they're a youth academy product or already in the side (and even then, it's divided into sub appearances and gametime outwide; e.g. Rashford).
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That's a good shout, come to think of it. Monaco has been a good club for the development of young players, and like you pointed out - Silva will benefit from Jardim's coaching, as well as playing with other young talents like Mbappe, Lemar and Boschilia in attack. Not to mention, training with a former Porto striker in Falcao - who could act as a mentor for him. Agree with your assertion regarding the develop of young strikers, too - it's not a coincidence that some of the better strikers in recent years emerged at relatively smaller clubs (where they could play week in and week out) before moving up the food chain - including the likes of Suárez (5 years in the Netherlands), Benzema (5 seasons in Lyon's first team) and Lewandowski (150 games in Poland).
 
I'll say this for belotti. If we had him in this form at the EUROs, we'd have been the ones to be graced by The One True Eder in the final, not France
 
Sure it's from Youtube but still, Giovanni Simeone looks really interesting, more than Belotti in my opinion...

 
RedMaestro said:
Sure it's from Youtube but still, Giovanni Simeone looks really interesting, more than Belotti in my opinion...

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Wonder when Simeone Sr. will sign him - if not Atlético, then maybe the next couple seasons if he moves to Internazionale. Looked good vs Juventus, too (which is a really good test for young Serie A based strikers and forwards):

 
From what I read of Icardi and how he is described, he seems like a Hernandez type player in his first few years with us before his finishing became erratic. The way I have seen Icardi described is poor play outside the box, average hold up play but comes alive in the box with good finishing, good aerial ability and exceptional movement.

Lukaku is improving year upon year, his hold up play used to be very poor but it has got a lot better an he can lock the ball in much better now as well as having the ability to ran at defenders and run in behind. Mourinho has already got rid of him once before though so can't see him making another move especially for the prices that will be quoted.
 
Invictus said:
Wonder when Simeone Sr. will sign him - if not Atlético, then maybe the next couple seasons if he moves to Internazionale. Looked good vs Juventus, too (which is a really good test for young Serie A based strikers and forwards):

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Simeone Sr. will probably not move to Italy in my opinion. He would perhaps like to compete against the other "top" managers in the PL - Arsenal?
 
RedMaestro said:
Simeone Sr. will probably not move to Italy in my opinion. He would perhaps like to compete against the other "top" managers in the PL - Arsenal?
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Yeah, he could very well be persuaded by the challenge of pitting his wits against the hotbed of top managers in the Premier League. But, it's hard to envision any good landing spots for him with the early success of Conte at Chelsea, the time and resources dumped on Guardiola's success by City, Mourinho at United unless we abandon the plan, etc. - and Arsenal's way of football is very different from El Cholo's robust and industrious style so there could be a potential clash of ideologies and mindset (though some would argue that the particular way stems only from Wenger and a fiery character like Simeone is exactly the type of manager the doctor ordered if Arsène leaves by mutual agreement).

Wrt. Inter, Simeone has historical ties with the club as a former player (much like Atlético), so a move would make sense on some levels because they have a good core with the likes of Icardi, Mário, Gagliardini, Murillo, Brozović; Zhang Jindong could make substantial investments in the team, and they could collectively re-establish the club as a force on the level of Juventus - that in itself would be more satisfying on an emotional level than success with clubs where he'll be very much of an outsider to begin with, and wouldn't share a comparable level of camaraderie with the supportbase.

eg. from 2013:
Simeone played for Inter between 1997 and 1999, helping them to a UEFA Cup triumph in 1998.

"Inter? It would be an honour," Simeone told Il Giornale. "But for now, all that talk is left to the newspapers."

"I see myself at Atletico Madrid for some time yet. Some say I might become the (Alex) Ferguson of the Colchoneros."
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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/it-would-be-honour-coach-inter-says-simeone#IFIIeX46MovGZ47D.99
 
I haven't seen much of the others, so I'd have to say Lukaku.

I more focus tend to on general play rather than stats, though. Don't get me wrong, those stats are excellent by all four players, especially Lukaku, given he plays in what I feel is the hardest league. However, Lukaku's general play at the moment isn't good enough for me. Not sure about the others because I haven't watched them enough. It's certainly getting better, though, and at 23, he's only going to improve.
 
Signing any of those quoted would be extremely underwhelming. Lukaku is the best of the bunch but can't see Mou signing him, we'd get our pants pulled down for him on the price and surely there's better out there.
 
Invictus said:
Yeah, he could very well be persuaded by the challenge of pitting his wits against the hotbed of top managers in the Premier League. But, it's hard to envision any good landing spots for him with the early success of Conte at Chelsea, the time and resources dumped on Guardiola's success by City, Mourinho at United unless we abandon the plan, etc. - and Arsenal's way of football is very different from El Cholo's robust and industrious style so there could be a potential clash of ideologies and mindset (though some would argue that the particular way stems only from Wenger and a fiery character like Simeone is exactly the type of manager the doctor ordered if Arsène leaves by mutual agreement).

Wrt. Inter, Simeone has historical ties with the club as a former player (much like Atlético), so a move would make sense on some levels because they have a good core with the likes of Icardi, Mário, Gagliardini, Murillo, Brozović; Zhang Jindong could make substantial investments in the team, and they could collectively re-establish the club as a force on the level of Juventus - that in itself would be more satisfying on an emotional level than success with clubs where he'll be very much of an outsider to begin with, and wouldn't share a comparable level of camaraderie with the supportbase.

eg. from 2013:

http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/it-would-be-honour-coach-inter-says-simeone#IFIIeX46MovGZ47D.99
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You may be right about his ties to Italy but I would prefer it if he'd join Lazio instead, I loved him there. But the problem is that Inter has the financial muscles and Lazio has Lotito. But former players usually say that they would like to return.

Simeone about Lazio:

“Lazio was a fantastic part of my career,” Simeone recalled in an interview with Lazialità.

“It’s one of the places where I spent the most time, I had four wonderful years there. The people always loved me, and slowly I was able to make them appreciate me as a player.

“I scored important goals which people will never forget. In Rome I had teammates and coaches who changed the philosophy of Italian football.

“Before, only Milan and Juventus ever won [the Scudetto]. With our arrival we changed that narrative, and also allowed others, those who live close to us [Roma] to do the same.

“I have many friends in Rome, and I’m sure that one day I’ll Coach Lazio, because that’s life.

“It happened when I went to a club like Atletico Madrid, where I had been [as a player] and given my everything to do well, so it could also happen with Lazio.

“I’m convinced that you go back to those places where you have a past as a player. I behave the same way in football and in life.

“I will return to Lazio, it’s only a matter of time. Right now I’m very happy at Atletico Madrid, but life is long, and one day I’ll be there, dressed in black as always.”
 
Went for none or the above. I'd like Aubamayang.
 
Tiki-Taka said:
Personally I would go Lukaku, he is unplayable when he is up for it. At a team like Utd you'd expect a guaranteed output of 20 goals per season for at least the next 6 seasons. He is Premier league proven, and contributes more than just goals; he can offer short, run in behind and offers an aerial threat.
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That really is the problem though isn't it? I've seen an equal number of games where he's be absolutely outstanding and turned on the style as a have where he's been abject.

Personally, I'd rather re-sign Hernandez than any of the four mentioned.
 
Mr Smith said:
That really is the problem though isn't it? I've seen an equal number of games where he's be absolutely outstanding and turned on the style as a have where he's been abject.

Personally, I'd rather re-sign Hernandez than any of the four mentioned.
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It is the problem. But what I was hoping is at a club like Utd, he may find it easier to be up for every game. When he isn't the star man and someone will take his place if he isn't up for it, battling for the title I'm sure he'll be more motivated, and the fact we would be controlling every game he wouldn't become as frustrated.
 
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