Interviews

Ferguson thanks De Zerbi for opportunity

Striker has shone under Italian head coach.

By Charlie Hanson • 07 March 2023

By Paul Hazlewood
Evan Ferguson has started four Premier League games this season.

Evan Ferguson has thanked Roberto De Zerbi for giving him his first prolonged spell of first-team football.

The Republic of Ireland international has started four of the last eight Premier League games he has been available for, as well as getting significant minutes as a substitute.

“He’s the first manager to give me the opportunity to play and I’d like to thank him for that,” Ferguson said, “The way he plays suits me, so it’s good. As a squad we have our targets and we’re trying to go as far as we can [in the league and cup].”

The 18-year-old Ireland international scored his fifth goal of the season in last week’s FA Cup win over Stoke City and explained in a bit more detail.

“The way we play when we have the ball in different positions I know what areas I have to be in and areas I have to cover. It’s just learning those different positions and trying to get myself into the right positions to do the right things.”

The 18-year-old has been learning from a Premier League mainstay in Danny Welbeck in training. 

By Paul Hazlewood
Evan Ferguson loves having the chance to learn from Danny Welbeck.

“Me and Danny have a good relationship, It’s not like I’m playing one game and he won’t talk to me for a week! He’s a good person to have to get advice from.  

“I learn things from him in training every day, just little bits. if I do something that isn’t right he’s giving me different options which is nice.”