Romelu Lukaku wins battle of the Belgians against Christian Benteke

Romelu Lukaku

It was billed as the battle of the Belgians, Christian Benteke versus Romelu Lukaku.

With the World Cup just around the corner and Marc Wilmots’ team safely qualified, Everton’s visit to Aston Villa wasn’t just about three Premier League points. It was a 90-minute head-to-head audition for a starting spot in Brazil.

Unfortunately for Aston Villa’s talisman Benteke, he fluffed his lines, while Lukaku proved his credentials for a starring role next summer.

The Everton striker, on loan from Chelsea, scored his side’s winner in a 2-0 victory on Saturday and posed a constant threat to Paul Lambert’s fragile back-four.

Benteke, on the other hand, came away with a missed penalty and Squawka Performance Score of -21, a disappointing afternoon to say the least.

Both players struggled to impose themselves at Villa Park. Benteke attempting 31 passes and Lukaku only 21.The on-loan Chelsea striker did more with the ball at his feet, managing to find his team-mates with 76% of his passes compared to Benteke’s poor rate of just 61%, which earned the Villa forward Squawka’s Worst Possession award.

Strikers will always be judged on goals and it’s here where Lukaku’s performance clearly stands out. The former Anderlecht youngster neatly finished a slick passing move in the second half to give his side the lead. He also tested Brad Guzan on two other occasions, leaving him with an impressive shot accuracy of 75%.

Benteke won an early penalty after a powerful run into Tim Howard‘s box but then saw his effort saved superbly by the American stopper. He also managed another shot on target – to give him a 100% shot accuracy – but should’ve taken the opportunity to pass to the unmarked Leandro Bacuna instead. Incidentally, neither forward created a chance for his team-mates.

Lukaku also excelled at the other end of the pitch by helping his defence with four clearances, mainly from Villa corners. Benteke left defending duties to Ron Vlaar and co, as he failed to register a block, interception or clearance during the entire game.

The former West Brom loanee completed his more dominant display by winning 33% of his duels compared to Benteke’s 29%. The ex-Genk attacker won just two of his 11 headers and failed in his only take-on. Lukaku managed slightly more respectable figures, coming out on top in 31% of his headed duels and winning one of his two take-ons.

Although neither player was at their best last weekend, Lukaku’s amazing run in front of goal and better all-round performance gave him a clear edge at Villa Park.

Benteke, who is still returning to full fitness after an injury lay-off, will undoubtedly improve as the season continues but on current form it’s Everton’s main man who is Belgium’s best bet in Brazil.