Romelu Lukaku is brilliant. There are few who will deny the fact now. You only need to delve into statistics surrounding the young to realize that.

The striker scored 100 career goals quicker than the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Earlier this term, he notched his 50th Premier League goal, with only Ronaldo, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney scaling that landmark younger. On Monday, he netted for the fifth game in succession in the Premier League, his 50th in 100 games for Everton.

And he’s still just 22 years old.

It’s remarkable, really. Having burst onto to the scene at Anderlecht at such a young age, scoring his first professional goal at 16, many look at Lukaku and now expect to see a finished article.

There have always been question marks about whether or not the former Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion man would ever live up to the glittering potential he showed in the nascent stages of his career. Indeed, eyebrows raised in unison when the Toffees splashed £28 million to pry him away from Stamford Bridge. But this campaign, there are sure fire signs Lukaku is blossoming.

Already he has 11 Premier League goals in just 15 games, but his improvements extend beyond the bald statistics which strikers are so often judged by.

There’s a panache about the young forward. Already he’s scored a variety of different goals, improving his penalty box play, work in the air and decision-making in dangerous areas. His hold-up play, so often maligned during his time with the Toffees, has also developed, with the supporting cast of Arouna Kone, Gerard Deulofeu and Ross Barkley benefiting.

MORE EVERTON: Barkley is in the midst of a breakout campaign.

But what’s most encouraging about Lukaku’s recent displays is there are still clear areas for improvement. While his play with his back to goal is becoming more rounded, the ball can still ricochet wildly off him. Granted, this type of touch and awareness is often an inherent trait in footballers, but for Lukaku to be as effective as he possibly can be, especially against teams willing to sit deep and smother his influence, sharp passes into him need to stick.

His focus throughout the match— again, something which is improving — could also be better. The finest forwards in the world are ready to capitalize on any opportunity, and instead of flinging up his arms in frustration when passes don’t come his way, Lukaku must remain alert in case a ball breaks for him unexpectedly.

These, of course, are minor blemishes on what has been a tremendous start to the campaign for Lukaku, who has arguably been the standout forward in the Premier League this season. But as he reflects on the early stages of the term, Everton fans and Belgium fans can be encouraged by the fact that this is not a player who has quite reached his pomp yet.

Some in his position would sit back and reflect with fondness on a record of one-in-two in the Premier League for a team outside the established elite. But Lukaku doesn’t come across as that kind of character, as was evident in the wake of Everton’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday.

Having struck the woodwork twice, scored the equalizer and then been awarded the Man of the Match gong, the Belgian could have at least allowed himself a smile. Yet he was noticeably frustrated that he hadn’t been able to haul his side to victory and made reference to the ambitions of pushing this talented young Everton side to a top four spot.

He seems insatiable for goals and undeterred in his mission to improve. Jose Mourinho was critical of Lukaku for not staying and battling for his place at Chelsea, and after a season of transition at the point of Everton’s side in 2014-15, many labelled the Portuguese’s decision to cash in as a masterstroke. But after a summer of recuperation, Lukaku now looks vindicated in his decision to set off in search of pastures new, and his spearheading this thrilling young Everton side.

Eventually, the top names will come calling for the 22-year-old, who has the potential to be one of the most complete forwards on the continent. Paris Saint-Germain were recently rumored to be interested in his services, and if he continues to improve his stellar goalscoring ratio, given his age and playing style, there’ll be no shortage of suitors from Europe’s top table.

But Everton supporters and Premier League connoisseurs should enjoy this devastating striker in action for the time being. So many young players with immense potential at such a young age fall by the wayside as their careers’ progress. Thankfully, after a few bumps in the road, Lukaku does not look as though he’ll be one of them.

Follow Matt on Twitter @MattJFootball