A robust, imposing presence in the offensive third, Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku is undoubtedly recognised as one of the modern game's best target-men, and though the Belgian is indeed a classy, natural talent in-front of the target, former Everton boss and current Belgium manager Roberto Martinez "made" Lukaku "watch" snippets of Hugo Sanchez's, Edinson Cavani's and Javier Hernandez's approach to their trade on the pitch in order to mould, sculpt and perfect his own prolific style with the ball at his feet and the goal at his mercy within the danger area.

A leading member for the 'Red Devils' at club level, Lukaku also fronts the Belgian 'Red Devils' national attacking ranks and recently hit the net twice during his country's 3-3 draw against Mexico. For United, however, 'Rom' is currently enduring a seven game goal drought with his last goal coming on September 30th against Premier League stragglers Crystal Palace, but more notches are to surely be chalked on his season's record once the domestic schedule resumes for United on Saturday when they face Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Incredible

Mexico international and West Ham's Hernandez scored 59 times for United when he was on the club's books and was a lively character to deal with inside the 18-yard box, whereas Sanchez - a fellow Mexican legend - clinically tallied 209 goals for Real Madrid, although it's Paris-Saint Germain's Cavani who seemingly caught Lukaku's eye the most out of the three stars.

Speaking to Belgian outlet DH, Lukaku admitted that after inspecting the Uruguayan's clips, he spent hours on the training field at Finch Farm perfecting his "runs" in the box with Everton's coaches, insisting that Cavani's uncanny ability to find the space to land a killer blow is simply "incredible." Cavani has bagged 17 goals in 16 outings for his employers so far this term in all competitions, so the 30-year-old is more than just a worthy template to copy, though his accomplished exploits are by no means easy to emulate, of course.

Competition

For the last two seasons in particular, Lukaku has been matched all the way in the scoring department by Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, as well as Manchester City's Sergio Aguero.

In the 2016-17 campaign, Kane claimed the golden boot after dispatching 30 Premier League goals and Lukaku finished behind the England striker in second with 25 goals to his name for the Toffees. With both respective hit-men being 24-years-old, the prospect of an annual battle for supremacy between the two counterparts could become a reality.

This term with the creative strength of United's midfield behind him, perhaps Lukaku can pip 'Hurricane' to the coveted personal accolade once May roles around once more, although for now ending his lacklustre scoring stint first and foremost for Jose Mourinho's title-chasing fold will be at the top of his agenda. Cavani-esque offerings will follow suit, presumably.
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