After a stellar opening spell as a Premier League player, things have been decidedly tougher for Evan Ferguson over the past 12 months at Brighton.
This time last year, the Meath man had begun the 2023-24 campaign in stellar fashion, with four goals in his first four games, including a hat-trick against Newcastle United.
However, as the season progressed, things became more difficult for a misfiring Ferguson, who would eventually pick up an ankle injury which ruled him out from early April for five months. Only in this month’s Nations League openers did Ferguson return for Ireland, and he has only played five minutes of club football this season.
Questions have even been asked about Brighton’s use of Ferguson in training sessions, with Charlie Mulgrew making bizarre claims about the young striker’s treatment during a podcast appearance earlier this year.
For a man who burst onto the Premier League in such spectacular fashion little under two years ago, Ferguson will be disappointed with how the last 12 months have gone. His last goal came in late November in a Premier League win at Nottingham Forest.
Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck, and Georginio Rutter are all vying with Ferguson for a starting spot up front for Brighton, and the Irish international will hope that his return to full fitness does not see him merely occupying a space on the bench.
Irish fans were left angered last season when then-Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi questioned Evan Ferguson’s mental fortitude. One would reasonably argue that publicly asking such questions is not likely to do much for the positive development of young talent.
There’s a new man in charge at the Seagulls this year, and Fabian Hurzeler’s comments on Evan Ferguson this week are likely to go down much better with Irish football fans.
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Fabian Hurzeler gives encouraging assessment of Evan Ferguson
10 September 2024; Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and Greece at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Ahead of Brighton’s EFL Cup third-round tie against Wolves this week, Hurzeler addressed the English media.
The 31-year-old was asked about Evan Ferguson, and his response suggested that he is well aware of the 19-year-old Irishman’s immense potential.
He doesn’t have to show me what he can do, because I already know his potential. I’ve seen a lot of games in the past for Brighton.
He is a great finisher in the box. He has the whole package for a striker, so for me it’s important that he integrates in our style of play, that he follows our principles.
He doesn’t have to prove anything to me. He should do his work on the pitch, in possession, out of possession. He should help the team and then he will have a great impact on our game for sure.
Hurzeler’s attestation that Ferguson will have a “great impact” on Brighton’s season should be hugely encouraging for Ireland.
A few weeks away from his 20th birthday, Evan Ferguson will be hoping to be back among the goals sooner rather than later. With rotation to be expected, perhaps an EFL Cup tie on Wednesday against Premier League opposition is the perfect way for him to get his shooting boots firing once again.
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