Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren is not surprised by the progress made by Everton striker Romelu Lukaku having seen him at first hand as a youngster.
The former Chelsea striker has already scored 16 goals this season and will look to add to his tally at St James' Park on Boxing Day.
McClaren saw the 22-year-old play for Anderlecht in a friendly when he was managing in the Netherlands and recognised his talent at that early stage in his development.
"He's a top striker. I remember watching him when he was at Anderlecht and we played them when I was at Twente in a winter friendly," said McClaren.
"He was about 16, 17 and he was a player then. I've seen him just go on and on, and he's done well since leaving Chelsea.
"He has a long way to go, but he's certainly a handful and scoring goals and playing in a good team."
Lukaku played a key role in helping Everton put together an unbeaten run of eight games before they were beaten 3-2 at home by leaders Leicester last Saturday.
Newcastle boss Steve McClaren believes Everton can challenge for Europe this season
Despite that setback, McClaren knows they will face a team who will be pushing for a European place come the end of the season.
"They are a good team with good players, good individual players," added McClaren.
"There's a great balance to their team. They were beaten last time by Leicester, the first time in nine, so they're in good form, difficult to beat and having a good cup run.
"[Manager Roberto] Martinez has done a terrific job over there the two or three years he's been there and they're a strong, strong team.
"Everton are quite capable of not only getting into the top 10 but definitely challenging for the Europa League."
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