Roberto De Zerbi backs Evan Ferguson to become ‘one of the best strikers’ in Europe

None

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi has backed Ireland teenager Evan Ferguson for big things.

De Zerbi watched on from the sidelines as Ferguson netted his first ever Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

And that leaves the former Bohemians and St Kevin’s youth second in the Premier League top scoring charts.

He is just two goals behind leader Erling Haaland.

But he has at least become just the fourth player aged 18 or under to score a top-flight hat-trick in England – joining a list that includes Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen.

“I'm happy for Ferguson,” De Zerbi said. “But it is not just for the goals.

“I’m pleased with his performance, especially during the first half. He found the right positions.

“Newcastle defended with a 4-4-1 and there was space for him. He understood where the space was. He is working to complete his qualities.

“He can become big, big, big. His qualities are enough to become a great player. He can become one of the best, the top scorer in Europe.

“He was born in 2004, he's 18. I don't know how many players are young, that score like him.”



His goalscoring feats means that he will link up with Stephen Kenny’s Ireland set-up this evening in a rich vein of form.

And he will be hoping to carry that into games against France and the Netherlands next week.

About Andrew Dempsey

View Full Profile