A lot of people in Irish football are rightly very excited about Evan Ferguson at the moment.
While long touted as a top prospect, the 18-year old has experienced quite the rise in recent months. Since the turn of the year, he has established himself as a key contributor in the Brighton team, scoring six goals and registering two assists since the end of December.
That is no mean feat for a player of his age in a side that is competing for European places in the Premier League.
Ferguson will receive some international honours this evening, with the Bettystown native set to make his full international debut in Ireland's friendly against Latvia.
However, he is also being recognised outside of this country.
Evan Ferguson included in prestigious NXGN list
Each year, the NXGN list identifies the 50 best 'wonderkids' in world football, with only the top prospects in the sport making the cut. Past winners include the likes of Jude Bellingham and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Only players born after January 1st, 2004 were eligible for the most recent addition.
Considering his form, it should come as no surprise to see that Evan Ferguson was included on the list. Here's what they had to say about him:
Brighton have been crying out for a consistent striker since their promotion to the Premier League, but early signs suggest that they might have found their man in Ferguson.
The 18-year-old became the youngest player since 2009 to score in back-to-back Premier League matches earlier this season, with his strength and finishing ability allowing him to translate excellent youth-team performances to the senior level.
Already a full Republic of Ireland international, Ferguson rejected Liverpool when he decided to move to England, and Brighton are already reaping the rewards of being able to secure a top teenage talent.
Previous editions would rank all 50 players, but this has not been done on this occasion. Instead, nine youngsters were included in the 'NXGN Nine' shortlist, including the likes of Gavi, Alejandro Garnacho, and Romeo Lavia.
While the Irishman did not quite make the top of the list, being included on the 50-man panel is quite the achievement. Considering the way he has played in recent times, you wouldn't back against him surpassing some of the players placed ahead of him in the years ahead.
If he can continue on his current trajectory, this is unlikely to be the only recognition he receives during the coming seasons.
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