Evan Ferguson drew comparisons to Erling Haaland on Match of the Day, after the Ireland striker scored his first Premier League hat-trick on Saturday.
While Premier League-watchers have been aware of Ferguson's talents since the turn of the year, he truly announced himself by scoring a treble as Brighton ran out 3-1 winners over Newcastle United at the Amex Stadium.
At just 18 years and 318 days, Ferguson became the third-youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League after Robbie Fowler, Chris Bart-Williams and Michael Owen, and the feat helped make history for another reason.
Evan Ferguson matches Erling Haaland hat-trick
After Erling Haaland and Son Heung-Min scored hat-tricks earlier in the afternoon, Ferguson's goals meant that three players scored trebles on the same day for just the second time in Premier League history.
The only previous time this happened was on September 23rd 1995 when Fowler, Alan Shearer and Tony Yeboah scored hat-tricks for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United respectively.
This isn't the only reason that Ferguson was mentioned in the same breath as the brilliant Haaland on Saturday night, as Gary Lineker stated on Match of the Day that the Irishman reminds him of the Norwegian.
"I don't want to get carried away but I do see a hint of Haaland about him," said the host. "His stature and his movement and stuff like that. His youth, as well."
Ian Wright was also full of praise for Ferguson, as the former Arsenal striker analysed the youngster's performance.
"He's got everything," said Wright. "Great movement, fantastic first touch, takes up great positions. He's only going to get better."
"I do see a hint of Haaland." 👀
"He's just getting better." 💪@GaryLineker and @IanWright0 are both big fans of Evan Ferguson 🙌#MOTD pic.twitter.com/VAurajHghD— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 2, 2023
Evan Ferguson gives impressive interview
After giving an impressive interview with Sky Sports, Ferguson spoke to Match of the Day about his achievement, and the fact that he scored a hat-trick on the same day as two Premier League superstars.
"It's not bad company to be in," said the Bettystown native. "Obviously Haaland's record last season and Son's been doing it for a number of years."
Ferguson's showing comes at a perfect time for Ireland, as Stephen Kenny's side prepare for the mammoth task of facing France and the Netherlands in a Euro 2024 qualifying double-header next week.
Without doubt, Didier Deschamps and Ronald Koeman are pondering how their sides can deal with one of the most exciting striking talents in Europe.
🎙️ "FERGUSON FANCIES THE HAT-TRICK..."
He has 𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 Newcastle apart ⚡ pic.twitter.com/wsF0YRTG9a— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 2, 2023
