Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi had high praise for hat-trick hero Evan Ferguson after their 3-1 victory against Newcastle yesterday evening.
The PFA Young Player of the Year nominee gave the Seagulls the lead just before the half hour mark with a trailer just outside the six yard box, when Newcastle keeper Nick Pope spilled a long-range Billy Gilmour shot right into the path of Ferguson.
The 18-year-old’s second strike was curler from the edge for the box, picking up the ball with zero pressure from Newcastle, allowing him the time and pace to pace into the bottom right corner on 65 minutes.
Five minutes later and the Irishman had his third, hitting it from the edges of the box again in his weaker left foot, but taking a massive deflection off the dangling leg of Fabian Schar to complete his hat-trick.
What Roberto De Zerbi had to say?
Speaking to Sky Sports, De Zerbi said: “I’m happy for him [Ferguson] today, not just for the goals. Pleased for his performance, especially in the first half. He found the right positions. Newcastle defended 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.”
When posed the question if big clubs will be looking at Ferguson, De Zerbi said: “It’s normal for Brighton to sell players. Important thing for Brighton is not to keep but to find the replacement. This is right work we need to do.”