Ex-Everton scout assesses whether the club have next Romelu Lukaku in the ranks

Ex-Everton scout Bryan King says Thierno Barry is not yet at Romelu Lukaku's level, though the 24-year-old striker has made an impressive start with 10 goals in 13 games this season.

Former Everton scout Bryan King has assessed Thierno Barry's potential, cautioning against early comparisons to Romelu Lukaku despite the Frenchman's strong start to the season.

Barry has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 13 games across all competitions for Everton, including six direct goal contributions in his last three matches. The 24-year-old is Everton's only recognised striker and has already outscored his first-season tally.

King told Football Insider that while Barry shows promise, he lacks the physical dominance and all-around game that made Lukaku special. "I could never put Barry with Lukaku. Lukaku's game was balls played over the top or in the channels. He was so strong," King said. Lukaku spent four years at Everton, scoring 87 goals in 166 games before Manchester United signed him for up to £90million in 2014.

Barry still has significant weaknesses—he misses big chances regularly and needs to improve his off-ball work and ability to involve teammates. However, his positioning is exceptional: he has produced 7.28 expected goals in the Premier League, more than Erling Haaland, despite scoring six. If he can convert at a higher rate, King suggests he could "quite easily explode."