Brighton midfielder James Milner praised Evan Ferguson’s play out of possession after their 3-1 win against Milner’s former club Newcastle.
18-year-old Ferguson scored a hat-trick on Saturday evening, and the veteran midfielder Milner was quick to point out his work off the ball as being a key reason which led to his three goals.
“Evan set the tempo early on, he closed down and blocked a ball going forward,” Milner told The Athletic. “That might seem a minor thing looking at the game overall, but it sets a tempo.
“It shows his intent without the ball. And anyone who knows him so far in his young career, he is an unbelievable finisher. He is a goal scorer. And when he is doing the ugly side of the game too and being the first line of defence, he was outstanding.
“He is still so young but what a player for us and the ceiling is very high for him.”
James Milner reluctant to compare Ferguson to greats just yet
Milner was hesitant to compare Ferguson to any of the top strikers he has played with throughout his illustrious career, including the likes or the Premier League’s record goal scorer, Alan Shearer..
“I did play with Alan Shearer (at Newcastle). They are both very good goal scorers.
“He (Ferguson) can score all types of goals, look at the goals in this game. But it is early days, he will find his own way. And he is at a fantastic place right now with great players around him, a great bunch of lads that will push and support him, and a manager (Roberto De Zerbi) that wants him to prove all aspects of his game.
“When I was a young player it was the likes of David Batty and Dom Matteo that kept my feet on the ground – very old school, probably more than now although I still have a bit of that old school in me.
“Although there are no tea cups being thrown around now. But now it is our job to push Evan and advise him. He will have ups and downs.”