Romelu Lukaku’s role at the World Cup may hinge on the bench

Romelu Lukaku may not like to hear it, but his greatest value at this World Cup could lie beyond the starting XI. The Belgian striker has played scarcely any football this season because of injuries and physical discomfort, leaving him far from match fitness. Even head coach Rudi Garcia confirmed before the match against New Zealand that Lukaku was not ready to play a full 90 minutes. Lukaku’s limited minutes were on display during the group stage. He started against Iran, but Belgium could only manage a 0-0 draw and the striker never imposed himself. He did not look sharp enough to trouble defenders for the entire match. The contrast with his substitute appearances could hardly be starker. In the opening game against Egypt, Lukaku entered the pitch and within 22 seconds had decisive influence. His presence in the box forced an Egyptian defender into an own goal, securing a point for Belgium. Against New Zealand, it took barely a minute for him to strike again. Nicolas Raskin delivered a cross to Lukaku’s head, and the striker headed home. It was his sixth World Cup goal, moving him clear as Belgium’s all-time record scorer at the tournament. Perhaps Garcia should consider a different approach. Charles De Ketelaere showed against New Zealand that he is willing to press, run, and physically exhaust defenders for 60 to 70 minutes.

Belgium draws Senegal in toughest round‑of‑16 clash at the World Cup

By the time the defence has already struggled for an hour, a fresh Lukaku can enter the field. That scenario is far removed from facing a fully prepared defence from the first whistle. Suddenly, defenders are up against a striker who remains one of the strongest and smartest target men in world football. He wins duels, creates space, and is almost unstoppable inside the penalty area. For Lukaku, this may not be the role he envisages. He is a winner who wants to start. Yet at this moment, he appears to have more impact in bursts of 20 or 30 minutes than over 90. Belgium does not need to drag Lukaku through 90 minutes while he still lacks match rhythm. Instead, Garcia can maximize his top scorer by managing his minutes carefully. The group stage has already delivered one clear lesson: Lukaku does not need to play the full match to be decisive. At this World Cup, he may well be Belgium’s most dangerous weapon, drawn from the scabbard only when the opposition is already worn down.