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Brighton manager Robert De Zerbi has praised young striker Evan Ferguson after the Irish forward netted his second Premier League goal in three appearances in his side’s 4-1 over Everton on Tuesday evening.
Ferguson, who is 18-years old, came off the bench for Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend to score his debut Premier League goal as his club fell to a defeat to league leaders Arsenal.
On Tuesday, the youngster was granted his first league start from manager De Zerbi and he did not disappoint, netting Brighton’s second goal in what would be a 4-1 victory over Everton.
The Irish U21 international also got an assist after he passed to Solly March who then went on to score the Seagull’s third goal of the night.
Previously, the striker had made senior appearances for Brighton in the EFL Carabao Cup, where he also recorded a goal and assists. His form for his club and the Irish U21 side saw him called up to Stephen Kenny’s senior Ireland side for a friendly fixture versus Norway and it has been suggested that he will play a major role up front for the international side going forward.
De Zerbi Praises Ferguson
Ferguson’s two Premier League goals over the festive period marks a new high for the forward and he could be set for many more minutes in the division if his manager’s recent positive comments are anything to go by.
De Zerbi spoke highly of his young striker in a statement made to Brighton’s website, claiming that the player had the potential to be a “great striker.”
“I’m happy for Evan, he played a fantastic game,” De Zerbi stated on the club website.
“He has big potential and I think he can help us in the second part of the season,” the Italian remarked, “With Danny Welbeck, he can be very important as our striker.”
“Evan could become a great striker because he has all the qualities, both physical and technical,” he added.
Brighton’s Pascal Gross also added to De Zerbi’s comments when speaking about the club’s up and coming young cohort.
“In your first Premier League games, maybe the nerves can affect you, but Evan played a great game,” Gross said, “He’s fighting, he’s playing good football and he fits right into the team.”
Ferguson’s Post-Match Comments
The side were ahead by a single goal going into half-time against Everton but scored three goals in quick succession in the second-half to break Everton’s spirit.
Ferguson spoke after the game with regards to the side’s determination to do better in the second-half of the game.
“We came in at half-time knowing we could do even better,” he said, “We tried to give it our best and luckily the goals came and it was brilliant to get on the scoresheet again. Four goals away from home at Everton is good work by us.”
“It’s the manager’s decision to play me, but I feel comfortable at this level. The other lads push me every day in training, we keep working hard on how we want to play.”
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