Evan Ferguson

[E17yid]

You can never be sure, even the most obvious of talents has to overcome a million hurdles when moving club or playing at a higher level. But he seems to me like he has huge scope for improvement, and (just as importantly IMO) you aren't just paying for potential because he's already a very good player. If he never improves from his current level then his likely fee would be too high, but it's unlikely he would be a total flop.

It's an easy comparison to make and the similarities only go so far, but he reminds me a lot of Kane in one particular way. When Kane first started coming through, there was a lot of discussion over how good he really was, because there was no stand-out feature of his game. It wasn't easy to explain exactly why Kane was so good, and it was only with time that you realised that his biggest strength was his lack of a weakness - and I think Ferguson has a bit of that about him.

He's not lightning quick like peak Torres, but once he's got the wrong side of the defender he's quick enough to make use of the space. He's not a powerhouse like Drogba, but he's strong enough to hold defenders off. He doesn't have the touch of Berbatov, but he can bring the ball in and hold onto it. He doesn't have the intelligence of Sheringham, but he's got the awareness to bring others into the game and create space with his movement. That rounded skillset more than makes up for the lack of a defining trait, and it's also what makes me think he could be a top level player for the next decade.

And he has a knack of scoring goals which at this level at 18 is pretty amazing

 

[Tucker]

If he’s got any sense he’ll stay at Brighton for another 2 or 3 years and see how far they can actually go. Can see them winning one of the lesser European trophies at some point in the next few years. He’d make himself the main man there with guaranteed football, working under what seems to be a great coach. Keep on doing what he’s doing and he’ll have the pick of the top clubs as he’s hitting his prime.

 

[Johnny J]

You can never be sure, even the most obvious of talents has to overcome a million hurdles when moving club or playing at a higher level. But he seems to me like he has huge scope for improvement, and (just as importantly IMO) you aren't just paying for potential because he's already a very good player. If he never improves from his current level then his likely fee would be too high, but it's unlikely he would be a total flop.

It's an easy comparison to make and the similarities only go so far, but he reminds me a lot of Kane in one particular way. When Kane first started coming through, there was a lot of discussion over how good he really was, because there was no stand-out feature of his game. It wasn't easy to explain exactly why Kane was so good, and it was only with time that you realised that his biggest strength was his lack of a weakness - and I think Ferguson has a bit of that about him.

He's not lightning quick like peak Torres, but once he's got the wrong side of the defender he's quick enough to make use of the space. He's not a powerhouse like Drogba, but he's strong enough to hold defenders off. He doesn't have the touch of Berbatov, but he can bring the ball in and hold onto it. He doesn't have the intelligence of Sheringham, but he's got the awareness to bring others into the game and create space with his movement. That rounded skillset more than makes up for the lack of a defining trait, and it's also what makes me think he could be a top level player for the next decade.

Also he's scoring goals in the PL at 18. Loads of more experienced strikers have come to this league and failed to do what he's already done at such a young age.

 

[ShayLaB]

I would guess this is where the Salah money will be spent

 

[SpursSince1980]

Could see Liverpool going big for him if Nunez doesn't hit his stride this season.

I can’t. Not a Klopp forward. He doesn’t play a classic 9. If they sell Salah, I’d imagine they are much likely to go big for Mitoma. He’s a perfect fit for their system. Ours too.

 

[wakefieldyid]

If he’s got any sense he’ll stay at Brighton for another 2 or 3 years and see how far they can actually go. Can see them winning one of the lesser European trophies at some point in the next few years. He’d make himself the main man there with guaranteed football, working under what seems to be a great coach. Keep on doing what he’s doing and he’ll have the pick of the top clubs as he’s hitting his prime.

It's a logical position to take, except for the fact that nothing at Brighton seems to stay the same for long. It's only a matter of time before De Zerbi is linked with the anticipated vacancies at Chelsea, Old Trafford etc., and history suggests that they'll have sold another 2 or 3 of their regular first teamers by this time next year. (I guess the most likely scenario is that Di Zerbi makes it a precondition before accepting a new job that he expects his new employers buy Ferguson.)

 

[Styopa]

I guess the most likely scenario is that Di Zerbi makes it a precondition before accepting a new job that he expects his new employers buy Ferguson.)

In that case Di Zerbi would be limiting himself to an extremely small pool of clubs. I mean which clubs will be able to legitimately claim they will be able buy Ferguson for him? Assuming Ferguson progresses on the expected trajectory, Man C or Real Madrid maybe? I’m not sure any other club could confidently claim they will be able to buy him.

Chelsea, Man U, PSG, Arsenal, Newcastle etc may be able to fund the deal but it’s questionable whether Ferguson would move to those clubs if others like Madrid and City are also interested.

 

[wrd]

It's a logical position to take, except for the fact that nothing at Brighton seems to stay the same for long. It's only a matter of time before De Zerbi is linked with the anticipated vacancies at Chelsea, Old Trafford etc., and history suggests that they'll have sold another 2 or 3 of their regular first teamers by this time next year. (I guess the most likely scenario is that Di Zerbi makes it a precondition before accepting a new job that he expects his new employers buy Ferguson.)

Why would De Zerbi go to those clubs when the infrastructure is so poor? Brighton is improving year on year and they don't seem to have any problem out performing those clubs. I think the days of those clubs attracting managers away is gone when clubs like Brighton are proving they can increase their ceiling.

 

[IfiHadTheWings]

Why would De Zerbi go to those clubs when the infrastructure is so poor? Brighton is improving year on year and they don't seem to have any problem out performing those clubs. I think the days of those clubs attracting managers away is gone when clubs like Brighton are proving they can increase their ceiling.

De Zerbi replaces Pep at City for me.

 

[Styopa]

Why would De Zerbi go to those clubs when the infrastructure is so poor? Brighton is improving year on year and they don't seem to have any problem out performing those clubs. I think the days of those clubs attracting managers away is gone when clubs like Brighton are proving they can increase their ceiling.

I still think he would be seriously tempted when clubs like Chelsea and Man U come calling. They’re a mess but their size and potential still far outstrips Brighton.

As long as I can remember there have been smaller clubs who have enjoyed really great purple patches from Bolton to Southampton to Swansea to Wigan to Leicester but eventually they make a few mistakes and fall back down the pecking order. Maybe Brighton will be one of the exceptions but I still think it’s too early to say.

Let’s see where they are in ten or fifteen years time because that’s what you’re talking about with clubs like Man U, Liverpool, and ourselves being truly established. They are clubs who have been at the top of the league for decades not just a few good seasons. Brighton finished 9th a couple of seasons ago and 16th the season before that.

 

[funkycoldmedina]

I still think he would be seriously tempted when clubs like Chelsea and Man U come calling. They’re a mess but their size and potential still far outstrips Brighton.

As long as I can remember there have been smaller clubs who have enjoyed really great purple patches from Bolton to Southampton to Swansea to Wigan to Leicester but eventually they make a few mistakes and fall back down the pecking order. Maybe Brighton will be one of the exceptions but I still think it’s too early to say.

Let’s see where they are in ten or fifteen years time because that’s what you’re talking about with clubs like Man U, Liverpool, and ourselves being truly established. They are clubs who have been at the top of the league for decades not just a few good seasons. Brighton finished 9th a couple of seasons ago and 16th the season before that.

It's really hard to keep selling your top talent (which they have to because young aspirational players join them as a developmental step) and keep momentum going. Most teams are 1 managerial misstep away from falling back. Southampton were the closest example to Brighton and bit by bit they fell away. They're incredibly well run and have an excellent forward thinking strategic board and I hope they do buck the trend but history tells a different story

 

[TPdYID]

You can never be sure, even the most obvious of talents has to overcome a million hurdles when moving club or playing at a higher level. But he seems to me like he has huge scope for improvement, and (just as importantly IMO) you aren't just paying for potential because he's already a very good player. If he never improves from his current level then his likely fee would be too high, but it's unlikely he would be a total flop.

It's an easy comparison to make and the similarities only go so far, but he reminds me a lot of Kane in one particular way. When Kane first started coming through, there was a lot of discussion over how good he really was, because there was no stand-out feature of his game. It wasn't easy to explain exactly why Kane was so good, and it was only with time that you realised that his biggest strength was his lack of a weakness - and I think Ferguson has a bit of that about him.

He's not lightning quick like peak Torres, but once he's got the wrong side of the defender he's quick enough to make use of the space. He's not a powerhouse like Drogba, but he's strong enough to hold defenders off. He doesn't have the touch of Berbatov, but he can bring the ball in and hold onto it. He doesn't have the intelligence of Sheringham, but he's got the awareness to bring others into the game and create space with his movement. That rounded skillset more than makes up for the lack of a defining trait, and it's also what makes me think he could be a top level player for the next decade.

Haven't posted in ages, but that deserves a winner rating.

You've articulated your point very well and applied a good dose of logic. Thanks for posting.