Evan Ferguson has earned high praise from all corners after his recent explosion into Brighton's first team - and, now, one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history has added his voice to the chorus praising the young Irishman.
Since the return from the mid-season World Cup break, Ferguson has become a crucial part of Brighton's attack. Ferguson has two goals and two assists in just four Premier League appearances so far this season, including two for the 18-year-old against league leaders Arsenal.
Still only 18, Ferguson also played a crucial role in Brighton's stunning 3-0 win over Liverpool last weekend, and has earned praise from his manager, teammates, and former Ireland internationals.
READ HERE: "You Only Get These Talents Once Every 10 Years" - Evan Ferguson's Youth Coach On His Brilliance
As Brighton prepare for a weekend assignment away to Leicester, Ferguson has found himself in the good books of the biggest name yet, with Arsenal legend Ian Wright lavishing the former Bohs man with praise.
Wright, whose 15-year career saw him play for Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Celtic - among others - said that Ferguson had all the capabilities required to be a top class centre-forward, and that Brighton would do well to give him regular first-team opportunities.
Ian Wright praises Evan Ferguson's physicality
Ian Wright was a special guest on Second Captains on Thursday's show. Given Wright's legendary career as a striker at the highest level, it was only natural he would be asked about Ireland's next big forward talent.
When asked about Evan Ferguson's potential, Wright praised Ferguson's aggression, saying the Meath native reminded him of an "old-school centre forward" with his ability to muscle defenders off the ball.
He went on to say that he hoped to see Brighton give him even more game time, and praised his ability both on and off the ball as top notch:
I hope that he gets to play regularly and Brighton start playing to his strengths and get him involved more. I'd get the ball into him as soon as possible through those lines, because he links the play very well, he's got very intelligent movement in that last third, and he wants to get into the box.
That's what I would do. You look at him - he's good in the air, he's good on the floor, he can make good movement in the box. He's somebody who has got all the attributes. Now, how can we get it to him quicker? I'm not saying Brighton have to launch it, but they've got another option now he's playing.
They could play it through like we saw them do to Liverpool the other day, cut them to pieces, or they can go direct, get it into him, he can link play, people can go beyond him.
They could do so many things with a striker who's got the capabilities that he's got. He's got everything. He's got the size, the touch, the shooting power, he's got the movement in the box.
To achieve such praise from a man who scored 165 First Division goals is no mean feat, and is testament to how high a regard Evan Ferguson is held in across the water.
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