Louis Saha tips Man United's Martial to pip Lukaku to world's best striker tag
LOUIS SAHA has tipped Anthony Martial to one day beat Romelu Lukaku to the title of world's best striker.
Posted Thursday, October 15, 2015 by Dailystar.co.uk
Former Manchester United and Everton striker Saha thinks both players are heading right to the top of the game.
But while Saha admits Lukaku is already unstoppable on his day, he believes Martial has a better attitude.
The duo are set to face each other when Saha's two former clubs clash at Goodison Park this Saturday.
But the 37-year-old told Starsport: "I'm more confident that Martial will definitely fulfil his potential.
"Lukaku has immense quality. You don't score so many goals at his age without it. Martial is a little bit behind him in terms of experience and showing his talent.
"But he's got that mentality to try to work hard every day. I hope Lukaku proves me wrong.
"If I'm saying it, it's just to make him realise that as an Everton fan and a Lukaku fan, I want to see more.
STARLET: Man United forward Anthony Martial
"He could be one of the best strikers you can find anywhere in the world. He is completely unstoppable on his day. But on other days it's a bit different."
Lukaku has scored seven goals in 10 games for Everton this season, while teen star Martial, 19, has four in seven for United.
But Lukaku has also been criticised for his work rate at times, and Saha feels the 22-year-old still has a lot to improve on.
The former France striker said: "Lukaku is a great player. He's not like me or other players - he's got all the attributes. He's powerful. His technique has improved.
"His left foot in front of goal is something everyone will be craving for. He has huge potential.
"But in terms of quality, if I'm a manager I'd be demanding a lot more. I can see that still needs to work harder in training.
"I think he's working at 80 per cent. Imagine what he'll be like when he hits maturity! He needs to understand that he needs to work harder to go even further."
POTENTIAL: Everton striker Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku is the first player to score 13 or more goals in a season for Everton since Saha did it in 2009/10.
And the Frenchman believes he will cause United problems at Goodison Park, where John Stones is set to return from injury.
But Saha believes it will be tough for Lukaku to lead the Toffees to glory come next May.
He said: "The strength of Everton is getting physical and getting into faces and the way they play now is with power, with Ross Barkley and Lukaku.
"It's a matter of how United's defence can cope with that. United have sometimes struggled with that a little bit.
"But I'm impressed with Chris Smalling's power and presence at the back this season and they have experience in midfield with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Michael Carrick.
STRIKER: Louis Saha in his Man United playing days
ENGLAND ACE: John Stones could face Man United
"A lot will depend on them. Everton have a chance of beating United for sure. They've always been a pain to play against and you can see their confidence is back.
"Can they get into the Champions League or win a trophy? It's still hard to see it because of the teams in front of them. It depends on the season of the top stars.
"If Lukaku can score 30 goals and provide the important goals at the right moment, then yes. If you can see Ross Barkley scoring 15 goals as well, then yes.
"But it hasn't been the case last year. Let's find out. We'll have a clear idea by December."
Saha also feels Louis Van Gaal will not be under pressure if he loses at Goodison - despite United getting hammered 3-0 at Arsenal last time out.
Van Gaal has come in for criticism at times despite his side sitting third in the table, but Saha said: "No. I don't think he will be under pressure.
"I think he's done some good work there. They have a good platform. No. They are in the Champions League and they are improving. He has done well."
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