IRELAND'S Evan Ferguson believes there is no striker in the Premier League better than Manchester City's Erling Haaland, and he also admitted that he isn't sure why people compare him to England's Harry Kane.
Ferguson had an excellent breakout year for Brighton & Hove Albion this year, scoring ten goals in all competitions. The Bettystown native had been linked to bigger clubs due to his excellent form for Robert De Zerbi's side but decided to sign a new deal at the Amex last month.
The 18-year-old also scored on his competitive Ireland debut against Latvia in March. This has also been coupled with the fact that Brighton has managed to achieve Europa League qualification. It's fair to say it's been an excellent year for the Ireland forward, and it is only the beginning of the journey.
Speaking at LiveScores Champions League Final preview event in Dublin, the Brighton player said his season "could not have gone better."
"For my first season, it could not have gone any better," said Ferguson at the event. "Every time I get a few days, I'm straight back. But then you've got international breaks and it is go, go, go.
"There is no better way to do it. It's nice to come back and see your family and friends and stuff. It is going to be busy next season with all the games we have."
Most goals scored by teenagers in the Premier League this season:
🥇 Evan Ferguson - 6
🥈 JULIO ENCISO - 4
🥉 Alejandro Garnacho - 3
Amazing youth development at Brighton. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/IyNAggXYYv— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 24, 2023
Ferguson was also asked about Haaland, the City sensation. Haaland scored 51 goals from just 45 Manchester City appearances, including a record-breaking 36 goals from 35 Premier League outings, claiming he was the one'
"Haaland, he's the one. The season he's had in the Champions League and Premier League, there is no better one," he added.
"He's very good. He knows when to come short, and once he comes short, his movement is behind. Once he does that, his pace is so good no one can catch him."
Ferguson has also been compared to Haaland and the likes of Spurs' goal-machine Kane but doesn't know why people make the comparison.
He added, "When I see people, they come up to me and say, 'I thought you were much bigger than that. I don't know how you do it.' I don't know if it is Harry Kane; I just play my game."
Ferguson is expected to be part of Stephen Kenny's Ireland squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers. The squad announcement will happen on Thursday.
