The £75 million forward has only got two goals in his last 13 games but his Belgium team-mate Kompany reckons Lukaku could frighten the league leaders.

City captain Kompany said: “I rate Romelu really high. He’s such a hard-working, dedicated forward that he is almost a perfect striker for any manager because if there’s something he needs to improve he will work on it relentlessly.

“People have spoken a bit about him having a dry spell. Ok, it happens. 

“I’ve noticed his game has improved again and I really look to those things. 

“If someone can always improve year in year out and has always got that he’s a good goalscorer in the bank, then I say this is serious guy.

“And that’s what Romelu is all about – always improving. 

“He’s a striker who has always had to deal with a lot of stick but when you put his statistics up against anyone else you realise what a frightening prospect it is for any Premier League club to have.”

Victory for Manchester City on Sunday will put the league leaders 11 points clear of Manchester United.