When Manchester United paid 75 million pounds (US$99.85 million) to sign Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku from Everton in July, few doubted the club were recruiting a player with the ability to score goals in the Premier League.
With 85 Premier League goals for West Bromwich Albion and Everton, including 25 in the previous season at Goodison Park, Lukaku's record spoke for itself.
Already only the fourth player to score more than 80 goals in the Premier League before turning 24 -- following Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney -- Lukaku looked a good bet to continue to find the net at an impressive rate.
Yet there was one aspect of his scoring record that raised an element of doubt about whether the target man could lead United back to the pinnacle of English football - his record against the top clubs.
On Saturday, with United facing their biggest test of the season so far, at Anfield against Liverpool, Lukaku has the perfect chance to prove a point.
The doubters, however, have plenty of evidence to support their case.
Last season, 21 of his 25 goals for Everton came against teams in the bottom 13 places in the league.
That record is part of a trend across his time in England where in 57 games against the so-called "big six" in the Premier League, he has managed just 15 goals and finished on the winning side just nine times.
Statistics, however, can be misleading.
Lukaku was relying on his Everton team mates to create chances, something they have not always been able to do well against top clubs.
This season he has found the target seven times in seven Premier League games and he has scored in 12 of 13 matches for club and country.
It has been exactly the form that United manager Jose Mourinho would have hoped for and after last season, where United had a league-high 15 draws, Lukaku has helped deliver six early wins.
But those goals have come against mid-to-lower table teams and now the United faithful will be anxious to see if he can produce the goods against the elite.
“He’ll be defined by his performances in big matches," says former United skipper and now Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.
"Lukaku has settled in brilliantly and done everything he was asked to do in terms of converting those home draws into wins. But games like this one are the real test."
Reuters
Fri Oct 13 2017
On Saturday, with United facing their biggest test of the season so far, at Anfield against Liverpool, Lukaku has the perfect chance to prove a point. - REUTERS
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.