Johan Boskamp worried about Romelu Lukaku after Belgium display: ‘Old Lukaku was above that’

Johan Boskamp has raised concerns over Romelu Lukaku after the striker produced another disappointing appearance for Belgium in their first international under Mark van Bommel.

Lukaku started on the bench against Italy before being introduced later in the game, but the veteran striker struggled to make an impact.

According to Boskamp, a lack of regular football is increasingly showing in the Belgian forward's performances.

Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Boskamp described it as another poor cameo from Lukaku and highlighted two occasions when his first touch let him down.

However, the former Feyenoord midfielder believes there is an obvious explanation.

It has now been more than a year since Lukaku completed a full match, leaving the striker badly short of the rhythm required at international level.

Boskamp was even more concerned by what happened after the final whistle.

Lukaku became involved in an altercation with Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, with both players receiving yellow cards.

For Boskamp, the reaction suggested the striker is frustrated with his current situation.

“He is far too easily offended,” Boskamp said. “The old Lukaku was above those kinds of things. Hopefully we’ll see him again someday.”

It is a concerning assessment of one of Belgium's most important players, particularly as Van Bommel begins building his own version of the national team.

While Lukaku struggled, Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens earned significant praise from Boskamp.

Lammens had work to do during the second half but responded with several important saves as Belgium kept a clean sheet.

Boskamp admitted the goalkeeper had not made a particularly convincing start to the season at Manchester United but thought his performance for Belgium was faultless.

He particularly highlighted Lammens' composure, confidence in possession and concentration throughout the match.

For Van Bommel, it provided one major positive from his first Belgium international.

Lukaku's condition, meanwhile, looks like a situation the new manager will have to manage carefully.

The challenge for Lukaku is now to rediscover the fitness and match rhythm that once made him indispensable for Belgium.

Mark van Bommel must decide how heavily he can rely on the striker while that process continues, particularly if his performances remain below his previous standards.

Lammens, meanwhile, has strengthened his case for further opportunities after making a positive impression in Van Bommel's first match.