Alan Pardew: 'Romelu Lukaku can be as good as Didier Drogba'

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has said that Everton striker Romelu Lukaku can become as good a player as Didier Drogba ahead of his side's visit to Goodison Park on Monday night.

The 22-year-old Belgian forward has scored 13 goals in 18 appearances at club level this season, including six strikes in the past five games to help the Toffees embark on an unbeaten run of six matches in all competitions.

Pardew is well aware of the potent threat that Lukaku poses to his side, and says that the former Chelsea forward has the attributes to emulate the feats of fellow ex-Blues striker Drogba.

"He is the full number nine," Pardew told BBC Sport. "We looked at the iconic one of the last 10 years, Drogba, and you have to say that Lukaku does look like he could emulate that.

"Lukaku is an unusual player in that he is 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 sets him apart."

Palace sit just a point ahead of Everton going into Monday night's clash.