Spanish midfielder Lopez scored another stunner in between two Leonardo Ulloa goals as Brighton beat derby rivals Crystal Palace 3-0 on Sunday.
And Poyet revealed Lopez's dead-ball technique reminded him of his former Chelsea team-mate.
He said: "I don't want to compare him but after seeing Gianfranco Zola practising, I haven't seen anyone taking free-kicks like David Lopez.
"He's got a big percentage of goals - when you get a chance or two I'm sure he will score. He has got that quality.
"I was trying to persuade the other players to let him take it but, thankfully, he took it, and it changed the game."
