NEXT GEMS: Evan Ferguson, The Future of Irish Football

Evan Ferguson carries the weight of Ireland on his shoulders whilst being the next gem from the Brighton recruitment line - all at the age of 18.

If no-one had heard of Evan Ferguson before last season, they well & truly do now, as the young Irishman burst onto the scene in the Premier League in his debut season.

The Meath native started breaking records & raising eyebrows from a young age as he made his senior debut for Bohemians in the League of Ireland against Derry City at just 14-years-old. His substitute appearance made him their youngest ever player; a record I'm not sure will ever be broken.

The 18-year-old striker was attracting many top clubs to pen his signature none-more-so than Liverpool who wanted to snatch the striker up when he was just 16-years-old. However, he chose Brighton with the opportunity of more first team involvement & progression as a key factor.

Ferguson possesses all of the traits needed to succeed in the Premier League. At 6'2ft, he already has the attributes needed to be physical & strong as a frontman for a Premier League side; something many strikers fail to adapt to, let alone a teenage prospect. He leads the line very well, triggering the press for de Zerbi's Brighton with decent pace & great stature.

His performances last season caught the eye of many sides with Manchester United, whom he supports, being heavily linked amongst others. The Irishman scored six-times in 19-appearances with only 10 of which in the Starting XI.

A record-breaking season it was for him too, as he became both Ireland's & Brighton's youngest ever Premier League scorer.

He signed his first professional contract last October when he turned 18 but Brighton were quick to extend his contract before the end of the season to a long-term deal amongst speculation of his future. On April 25th, he penned a new 5-year-deal until 2028 but it's likely he gets a top move before the expiration of his current deal.

Brighton head coach, Roberto de Zerbi his a huge fan of the youngster & has claimed he has the ability to become a 'European great'. With many expecting Ferguson to lead the line for Brighton this season, it's reported his price tag has already exceeded £55m, highlighting how crucial he his to de Zerbi's side.

It's not just Brighton fans whom will be buzzing about the potential of Evan Ferguson, but an entire footballing nation who've been starved of an International goalscorer since the days of Robbie Keane. 

With attention comes pressure & expectation & it will be interesting to see how the young man deals with it all in the coming season.