‘If he picks back his form, I bet Chelsea will be title contenders again’ – Micah Richards reveals why Chelsea player is so important
According to former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes Romelu Lukaku quickly returning to his best is important if the Blues want to remain in the title race.
“I don’t doubt Chelsea will get back to keeping clean sheets but what will keep them in the title race is the form of Romelu Lukaku, who is finding his stride after fitness issues. Richards told Daily Mail.
“When he is on the pitch, he carries a fear factor and can bully defenders.
“Lukaku has made huge strides during his career and I would hate to play against him. I remember facing him for Aston Villa against Everton back in November 2015 and it was basically impossible to keep him quiet — he scored a brace and was unplayable that day.
“He was stronger and faster and you couldn’t get near him when he built up a head of steam.
“If Chelsea get their system right and Reece James and Marcos Alonso start firing balls in for Lukaku, they will quickly prove why plenty of people were tipping them to become champions back in August.
“They are an outstanding side with outstanding players and it would be foolish to criticise them too much.
“But, that said, they still have questions to answer, as Tuchel knows. Every team goes through a phase when things aren’t going right, but in this three-way fight there is no room for hesitation.
“Chelsea need to step on the gas again and remind everyone what they are all about.”