Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler claims Evan Ferguson does not need to prove himself despite a difficult start to the season.The 19-year-old had enjoyed a couple of brilliant campaigns after breaking into the Seagulls first-team. He scored ten goals in 25 appearances across his breakout season, while he netted a further six last term.
But Ferguson has endured a tricky start to the 2024/25 campaign. To date, he has made just one appearance – that being a five-minute cameo in the recent goalless draw with newly-promoted Ipswich.
The striker now has a great chance to start in Wednesday evening’s Carabao Cup clash with Premier League rivals Wolves – but new boss Hurzeler believes Ferguson does not have anything to prove about his ability.
Speaking before Wednesday’s clash, the German said: “He doesn’t have to show me what he can do because I know what his potential is. I saw a lot of games of his already in the past when he played for Brighton. He’s a great finisher in the box. He has the whole package for a striker.”
And while Hurzeler is aware of Ferguson’s talents, he has demanded that he adapts to his demands with Brighton. “It’s important that he integrates in our style of play, that he follows our principles. That’s the most important thing for me,” the Seagulls boss added.
But Ferguson has endured a tricky start to the 2024/25 campaign. To date, he has made just one appearance – that being a five-minute cameo in the recent goalless draw with newly-promoted Ipswich.
The striker now has a great chance to start in Wednesday evening’s Carabao Cup clash with Premier League rivals Wolves – but new boss Hurzeler believes Ferguson does not have anything to prove about his ability.
Speaking before Wednesday’s clash, the German said: “He doesn’t have to show me what he can do because I know what his potential is. I saw a lot of games of his already in the past when he played for Brighton. He’s a great finisher in the box. He has the whole package for a striker.”
And while Hurzeler is aware of Ferguson’s talents, he has demanded that he adapts to his demands with Brighton. “It’s important that he integrates in our style of play, that he follows our principles. That’s the most important thing for me,” the Seagulls boss added.
“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.”
Ferguson’s name was regularly in the gossip columns throughout the summer. Manchester United were reportedly considering a move for the £50million-rated striker after Rasmus Hojlund suffered an injury.
A swoop did not come to fruition in the end, while ex-Red Devil Teddy Sheringham warned Man United not to sign Ferguson. He said: “I think Evan Ferguson is a very good player and is obviously a brilliant prospect.
“Is the kind of signing that Manchester United need to make? I don’t think that he is. I don’t think United should be looking to add him to the squad.”
“He’s 19 and has great potential. United have already signed a similar player in Rasmus Højlund who is a couple of years older. So, he’s not a player that I think the club should be looking to acquire at this moment in time.
“He’s too young. He’s too inexperienced. Manchester United don’t need any more inexperienced, inconsistent players this season. If they are going to add a forward, it should be someone with a proven track record who can come in and hit the ground running.”