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Ronald Koeman insists he is 'not worried' about Romelu Lukaku form

Romelu Lukaku scored 25 goals for Everton last season
Image: Romelu Lukaku scored 25 goals for Everton last season

Romelu Lukaku's goalless start to the season is not a concern for Everton manager Ronald Koeman.

Everton comfortably overcame Yeovil 4-0 at Goodison Park in the second round of the EFL Cup thanks to goals from Aaron Lennon, Ross Barkley and a double from Arouna Kone. 

Lukaku, who scored 25 goals last season, made his first start of the campaign in the tie but failed to register a goal despite the one-sided scoreline. However, Koeman has put the striker's form down to a lack of game time.

"I am not worried. That can happen for strikers," Koeman said after the win. "He did okay. Maybe he had to score one out of two good chances.

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Highlights of the EFL Cup 2nd round match between Everton and Yeovil

"Normally if he is on his best level he will score at least one goal (in this match), but I am not worried because he missed some minutes in the pre-season." 

Koeman gave new signings Ashley Williams and Yannick Bolasie their full debuts in what was a strong team for the cup tie, with England international Barkley handed the captaincy in the absence of senior figures.

Everton were knocked out of the league cup by winners Manchester City in the semi-final last season, and the Toffees boss is keen to make this year's competition a focus.

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Ross Barkley captained Everton for the EFL Cup tie
Image: Ross Barkley captained Everton for the EFL Cup tie

"What you try to do is take seriously the match," Koeman added. "In our line-up you saw we take it seriously. Some players they need game time, they need 90 minutes, like Romelu, like Ashley, like Yannick.

"Phil (Jagielka) is not playing, Leighton (Baines) is not starting and if you look around the team maybe the best option was Ross to be the captain.

"It means a lot to him, an Evertonian young boy who starts in the academy. That is one of the reasons he was captain. He needs to show responsibility about his performance."

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