THOMAS TUCHEL hailed Romelu Lukaku’s decisive role in Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League win over Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday night, hailing the new signing as “world class.”

Lukaku buried captain Cesar Azpilicueta’s hanging far-post cross with an inch-perfect header to dig Chelsea out of a tough encounter and secure a vital Stamford Bridge victory.

It meant that the Blues started their Champions League defence with a slender Group H victory, and owed everything to Lukaku turning home his only real chance to score.

“The cross from Azpi was very, very good and dangerous, and difficult to defend,” said Tuchel.

“The target was the far post, for Romelu, and Kai [Havertz] was also there. It was the opening, and at the same time, decisive goal, which is very, very good for us of course.

“We did not create many chances for Romelu, but he’s the type of guy who does not lose confidence or belief and that’s why he’s here; and that’s why he’s a world-class striker.

“It’s super hard and super important to be able to do that. It’s as easy as that. You don’t find many strikers of that quality.”