Evan Ferguson has been described as “the most complete” centre-forward - by a former coach.
Former Millwall and Sheffield United midfielder Mark Beard coached in the Brighton academy during Ferguson’s time in the club’s underage structures.
He posted his reaction to the Irish teenager’s first ever Premier League goal on social media, after Brighton’s 4-2 defeat to Arsenal.
Beard even compared Ferguson to Duncan Edwards, the brilliant Manchester United youngster whose life was tragically cut short as a result of the Munich air disaster.
“Remember the name, Evan Ferguson,” Beard tweeted.
“So pleased he’s scored his 1st Premier League goal. Top class player. Going to be the new Duncan Edwards (if anyone can ever remember him).
“Still only 17 years old(sic) and the most complete CF I’ve ever coached, can do everything to an elite level.”
Beard wasn’t the only coach to heap praise on the 18-year-old.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi hailed the two-time capped Ireland prospect.
“He’s a good player, he has very big potential, like Sarmiento, like Encise, like Lamptey, like Billy Gilmour and Colwill,” said De Zerbi
"I think the game has been strange, a strange result, it was strange the way Arsenal scored. I'm happy for my players, for our performance against a great team.”
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