Evan Ferguson: Q&A with the Brighton star

One of the most exciting young stars in the Premier League, Evan Ferguson has established himself as a regular for Brighton and Hove Albion. 

Here, he answers our Q&A…

What was your first football memory? 

“Probably just being out with my mates on the street as a kid, just kicking a ball about for fun. I was very young – maybe just four – and I’ve had the same next door neighbour my whole life so I just remember always being with him.”

Who were your influences growing up? 

I”I’d probably say my dad because he was always there, taking me to training and being around when I played matches. He used to manage a team, so I was always around a football environment from a very early age.”

What was the first football match you attended? 

“It would have been an Ireland game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin – but I don’t recall who it was against!”

Ferguson has scored three times in eight caps for the Republic of Ireland

Who did you support as a kid? 

“Manchester United. It’s kind of weird playing up front alongside Danny Welbeck because he was in the United team I used to support! We have a laugh about it, and it just shows how fast football can go.”

When did you think you had a real chance of making it as a professional footballer? 

“I don’t think there’s just one moment when you think that – football goes so quickly and things can happen very fast and the next moment you’re there, playing in the Premier League. When the chance does come, you feel you need to impress every time because of the competition for places.”

Ferguson is regarded as one of the best young players in the Premier League

What made you choose Brighton?

“the feeling I got from the club when I first got here. They showed me the pathway and how you can actually make it coming through the academy, so that’s the main reason.”

Do you enjoy living on the south coast?

“I lived by the sea in Ireland but it’s a different sort of beach to Brighton – all stoney! I’ve settled in well and I’m enjoying it here, it’s a nice place to live, especially in the summer and I enjoy going out and trying different restaurants. There’s plenty to choose from and I enjoy Thai the best.”

The 2022/23 season was fantastic for you – was it beyond your expectations? 

“in all honesty I didn’t have any expectations to exceed! I didn’t set any personal goals or targets, so it hasn’t gone beyond anything because I have just taken it on a game-by-game basis. I wanted to get my first Premier League goal, of course, but as I say, I didn’t want to look too far ahead because everything in football changes so quickly.”

Have you enjoyed working under Roberto De Zerbi? 

“He’s been really good – obviously he and Graham Potter are two different characters. We qualified for Europe las term, and it shows how quickly we progressed.”

Ferguson has scored 16 goals in 64 games for the Seagulls

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described Brighton as one of the best teams in world football – how does that feel? 

“Coming from a man like that, it’s obviously a big compliment for all of us. It shows the hard work we’re putting in every day is bringing results and getting attention from a bigger audience.”

What’s it like playing in this Brighton team?

“It just feels right. Everyone knows what to do and how we do it. Everyone has each other’s back.”

What’s your advice for any youngsters wanting to follow in your footsteps? 

“Just listen to your coaches along the way, work hard and you’ll get there one day.”