Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has the potential to emulate Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, according to Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew.

Drogba scored over 100 Premier League goals for the Blues during two stints at Stamford Bridge – most famously inspiring the club’s immense Champions League victory over Bayern Munich in 2012.

Lukaku, 22, has enjoyed a superb start to the season, scoring 13 goals and six in his past five games.

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The Belgian forward will be hoping to extend his run against the Eagles on Monday night and Pardew has hailed Lukaku’s qualities ahead of the trip to Goodison Park.

“He is the full number nine,” said Pardew.

“We looked at the iconic one of the last 10 years, Drogba. You have to say Lukaku does look like he could emulate that.

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“He is an unusual player in that he’s naturally left-footed. I think for a striker that is an advantage.

“Most defenders are defending right-footed players, and he gives them a slight problem which set his apart.”

Lukaku spent three years at Chelsea, but only played 10 games before joining the Toffees on the final day of the summer 2013 transfer window.

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