With Ireland’s upcoming internationals, including a European Championship qualifier with Europe's best side France, just around the corner, the performances of 18-year-old Irish striker Evan Ferguson have been earning praise from all quarters.
Ferguson was a key man as he led Brighton to the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on April 22 at Wembley Stadium. He scored two goals as the Seagulls hammered Grimsby Town 5-0 yesterday. After the game, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi lavished praise on the Irish teenager.
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“Ferguson is a special striker,” declared De Zebri. He added, “He’s a very good guy and I think that if you work with a clever guy, it’s nice because he understands and he improves day by day.”
Ferguson’s manager wasn’t the only one impressed. Gary Lineker heaped praise on Evan Ferguson, describing the Meath native as “a real striker before my eyes”. Lineker certainly knows a thing or two about scoring goals having won the 1986 World Cup Golden Boot for being the top scorer in the competition.
Elsewhere, former player and pundit Danny Murphy said, “This kid's a superstar, honestly, he's got great feet as you can see, how he brings that down, the technical ability, he's calm, powerful, plays the role really well,” on BBC.
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While former Chelsea star Scott Minto told TalkSport “I watch him and he’s 18 now, he’s playing like a 29-year-old. He’s got the physique of a 29-year-old, he’s got the maturity of a 29-year-old and you’re talking about someone like Mitoma who can get better, well this kid can obviously get better and better.”
Ferguson’s Brighton now face the mighty Manchester United in the semi-final, many of whose fans were expressing their desire for the Red Devils to sign Ferguson. However, the striker has plenty to focus on in the near future, as he is due to report for international duty with Ireland next week for the upcoming games against Latvia and France.
Conor Paterson