“Chris, Chris, strong boy (force à toi), I love you.” On June 12, after having shaken the net against Russia at the Euro and grabbed the camera, Romelu Lukaku could not help but have a thought for Christian Eriksen, victim of a cardiac arrest a few hours previously. Logical when you know the strength and nature of the bond that unites the two men. The Devil and the Dane spent 18 months together at Inter, including winning the title last year.
This Saturday, however, Lukaku and Eriksen were pitted against each other when Chelsea received Brentford. From the bench, Big Rom was able to see his friend further embellish the story of his incredible comeback. After scoring his return to the national team with two goals during the recent international break, the Dane found the net for the first time at club level since May 23 (with the Nerazzurri at the time). While goals from Antonio Rüdiger and Vitaly Janelt had held the two teams in balance until then, Eriksen gave his side the lead. Before Janelt doubled his counter and Yoane Wissa allowed Brentford to humiliate the Blues.
If Thomas Tuchel again preferred to align Kai Havertz on the front of the attack at kick-off, Lukaku was still entitled to the last 25 minutes. Obviously disappointed with his current playing time, the Devil will be especially delighted with the incredible performances of his friend.