Interviews

Ferguson: Albion defenders look after me

Young striker gets tips in training from the experienced pros.

By Charlie Hanson • 20 May 2022

By Paul Hazlewood
Evan Ferguson has played for Albion's first team, under-23s and under-18s this campaign.

While the likes of fellow strikers Danny Welbeck and Neal Maupay are proving to be good teachers for Evan Ferguson, the Irishman says Albion’s defenders are just as helpful.

The 17-year-old has been in the first team picture since the New Year, making his Premier League debut in the home defeat to Burnley in February.

He reckons his game has come on leaps and bounds during his time with our senior squad.

By Paul Hazlewood
The striker has been named in the last six Premier League matchday squads.

“There is definitely a big difference in the training to anything I have experienced before,” Evan said. “Physically and mentally the players in the first team are obviously ahead, they have played a lot of games at the highest level, so they know when the ball comes into you where the next pass will go.

"They are almost cutting the pass to you out before it even gets to you. You always have to be thinking of what your next move will be and you have got to know where you need to be.

"If you have a bad first touch or take too many touches, they are just going to take the ball off you.

By Paul Hazlewood
The 17-year-old made his Premier League debut against Burnley.

"The strikers have been giving me tips, but so have the defenders. If I do something that’s good they would tell me which is good to hear. They look after me."

Graham Potter has also been a guiding light for Ferguson, as he looks to continue his development.

"Coming into the first-team training group has helped me a lot, knowing the different types of roles that the gaffer has in the team because he plays with a lot of different formations.

"He has helped me a lot, I just like the manager's style of football."