Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi says Evan Ferguson lives for moments like Tuesday's winner against Stoke in the FA Cup.
The Ireland international scored the only goal of the tie in the 30th minute as Brighton progressed to the quarter-finals. It was a simple tap-in for Ferguson, his fifth goal of the season, though it came at the end of a fine team move.
"I am very happy because it was a fantastic action," said De Zerbi.
"The pass of Dunk was incredible. Mitoma was very smart to find the space in the right and the right timing.
"Ferguson, he lives to score. He's important for us, Ferguson, because he has different characteristics, different qualities than the other players in my squad."
Evan Ferguson goal for Brighton vs Stoke
Mitoma 🤝 Ferguson@OfficialBHAFC continued their fine form in the #EmiratesFACup as Kaoru Mitoma set up Evan Ferguson for the only goal of the game! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/JQ29GlIpJN
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 1, 2023
De Zerbi added: "He is unique for us in terms of quality, in terms of characteristic. He knows very well the way to score.
"I think he can and he has to improve, in the quality of play, in ball possession, to keep the ball better.
"But he is 18, he is born in 2004, and he will improve for sure, because I know the guy, I know his passion, his attitude, and I have no doubt."
Ferguson said the move which led tot he goal is exactly what they work on in training.
"When it comes off like that, it's a great team to play in," said the 18-year-old.
"Just to finish it off, an easy little finish, that was nice.
"When [Kaoru Mitoma] gets in those areas, he can turn inside and shoot or he can play it across. Lucky for me, he played it across.
"I wouldn't say [the seasons is] going much better than expected. As a team, we train every day, and know what we want to do, and what we want to achieve."
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