Europa League: Lukaku Faces Origi in Belgian Striker Duel
Romelu Lukaku and Everton are set to face off against Divock Origi and Lille in a Europa League clash that doubles as a meeting of Belgium’s rising striking talents. While both players are teammates on the Belgian national team, tonight they’ll be on opposite sides, each with a point to prove.
Lukaku, who saw his starting role at the 2014 World Cup challenged by the emergence of Origi, addressed the friendly rivalry ahead of the match. Speaking to the Daily Express, he praised Origi but made it clear his focus is firmly on Everton:
“He’s a very good player. He’s gifted, powerful, and full of talent. He’s going to join Liverpool so people are paying attention to him. He’s playing well at Lille, but that doesn’t concern me. I’m focused on my team, and we’re going to Lille to win.”
Despite the national team competition, Lukaku insists there is no animosity:
“We’re friends. We’re colleagues, and I’m happy with his progress. But there’s also competition for a place [in the national team]. I want to play.”
With both strikers vying for recognition and long-term spots in Belgium’s attacking line-up, tonight’s match will be as much about club success as it is about personal stakes.
