BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION head coach Roberto De Zerbi has once again praised Evan Ferguson, but highlighted that there is "potential to improve."
Ferguson took his tally for the season to 8 goals in all competitions last night in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
A deft flick from Ferguson opened the scoring in the first half, and Julio Enciso scored in second-half stoppage time to secure all three points for Brighton.
Ferguson's rise in Premier League football has excited fans from Ireland, and not for the first time, De Zerbi has lowered expectations around the Bettystown native's talent.
“Evan is very young,” he said. “His best quality is to score, and it’s a very important quality, but I think he has the potential to improve in other parts of the pitch, to play with the other players, and to play more for the team.
“In my work, I have to make results, but I have to help my players to improve, to progress. But I think we can achieve our target with Evan.
No wonder everyone wants Evan Ferguson 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QOMsqFUxDs
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) April 5, 2023
“I’m proud of him, and I think the same for our scouting in our club. He can become a great player.”
The win now means Brighton are four points off the Champions League spots.
Brighton will play Tottenham Hotspur next in the Premier League.
De Zerbi is aware of the task at hand and wants his players to believe in European qualification. “Now we have to endure a very tough period, and we need everyone inside the dressing room,” he added.
“In the last two months of the season, we will play a lot of games, and it’s starting the crucial period for us.
“We have to be clear-headed, clear-legged, and believe in ourselves because we have the quality to fight.”
Brighton's game against Spurs starts at 3 pm this Saturday.
