Pardew says his striker should look to emulate Everton star

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew thinks that his £8million striker Connor Wickham has a long way to go before becoming as complete a player as Everton’s Romelu Lukaku.

The Eagles travel to Goodison Park on Monday night looking to build on their 5-1 victory over Newcastle United, but they’re still to get much in terms of goals from their main strikers.

Meanwhile, the Belgian Lukaku has been in fine form for the Toffees and it is of little surprise that he’s been linked with summer moves to Champions League clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, although Everton will be aiming to be a Champions League club themselves next year.

Speaking to The Mirror, Pardew said that Wickham still has a lot of work to do to become what Lukaku already is, but insists that he always expected the 22-year-old’s first season to be one of adjustment and that it’ll be his second season where he’ll show his true quality and potential.

Connor needs to add a lot to his game to be as good as Lukaku. Lukaku is now the full No 9. If you look at the iconic No 9’s over the last 10 years, you look at [Didier] Drogba. Lukaku could emulate him. Connor is a work in progress. He needs to add goals to his game but he hasn’t had too many opportunities. This year was a big year for him to get his feet under the table and if he really is going to become what I hope he will become, then next year could be the one.”