Evan Ferguson F Roma (loan from Brighton) b.2004

[Eirambler]

Jesus man, trying to make comparisons in preseason is a bit much.

To be fair I did specifically caveat that it was just pre-season. But a 4-0 beating is a 4-0 beating.

But looking at elatedscum's counter argument, the only game against a Premier League team was a draw against the team that finished 17th (granted the focus on Europe for Spurs probably cost them a couple of places in the league) and the other results of note were against teams from other European Leagues. I'm not convinced that Roma squad would break the Top 10 in England. Which, arguably, is why Ferguson is there - it gives him a hopefully slightly more forgiving environment to develop in.

[Kingdom]

Interesting to see Ferguson specifically stating that he likes what 'the Friedkins' have in mind in response to the question 'why Roma?'

I assumed that was either:

a) a reference to Roma's US owners
b) a reference to some random Roma Ultra group
c) a translation bobble.

:-)

[Razors left peg]

To be fair I did specifically caveat that it was just pre-season. But a 4-0 beating is a 4-0 beating.

But looking at elatedscum's counter argument, the only game against a Premier League team was a draw against the team that finished 17th (granted the focus on Europe for Spurs probably cost them a couple of places in the league) and the other results of note were against teams from other European Leagues. I'm not convinced that Roma squad would break the Top 10 in England. Which, arguably, is why Ferguson is there - it gives him a hopefully slightly more forgiving environment to develop in.

You love these league comparisons. Its irrelevant where Roma would finish in the English league. The argument could probably be made that Inter wouldn't make Top 6 in England, but yet they made Champions League final.

I dont particularly rate Scott McTomminay, very average in Premiership but has been brilliant for Napoli and has found himself today in the Balon D'Or nominations. If Ferguson does anything close to that we should all be buzzing. Different styles of football suit different players. Not everything has to be always compared to the pace and athletisicm of English football.

[SkStu]

Ferguson came off at ht at the weekend and it looks like he might not get on here. I wonder if he picked up a knock

Dropped.

[Razors left peg]

Dropped.

Apparently had a bit of thigh strain from the weekend, but back in training today. Be interesting to see if him and Dybala come back into the starting lineup for Everton on Saturday

[rebelmusic]

To be honest, I think it would have been great man-management to drop him for this game. All his confidence issues have been playing in the UK and if he had played here and played badly it would have been a kick in the balls for him mentality wise.

Considering Gaspereni's reputation for managing young strikers I'm going to take this as a positive sign

[Kingdom]

Dropped.

You're a bad, bad, boy.

[SkStu]

(this thread was weirdly almost on page 3 before i posted this)

Anyway, saw this on reddit. Some guy scanning the media in Italy for reports on Ferguson during his Serie A season. https://bigevupdates.substack.com/p/fergie-time-begins-weekly-update



First game of the season at home vs. Bologna this Saturday 23rd. Updates:

- Gazetta predicts for Ferguson to start the game at centre-forward, wtih El Shaarawy and Dybala behind him on the wings

- Roma fan site Voce Giallo Rossa likewise reckons Ferguson starts vs. Bologna, with Dobvyk on the bench

- General sentiment suggests it's a toss-up between the pair of them for the season, with Gasperini potentially preparing to rotate strikers or offer significant minutes to both.

- The transfer window's closure on 1 September will tell a lot - Dovbyk has been linked with several clubs including Napoli, while Roma continue to pursure further forwards including Villa's Leon Bailey and Marseille's Jonathan Rowe.

[Eirambler]

A positive sounding update on Ferguson here. While the goals didn't flow in pre-season it sounds like he's impressing with his all round game. Would be great to have both him and Parrott in flying form going in to September.

https://football-italia.net/roma-ready-drop-dovbyk-ferguson-impresses/

[Eirambler]

"In attack, Ferguson appears to have overtaken Dovbyk. The Irishman impressed in training with his dynamism and physicality and is favored to start as a central striker in a 3-4-2-1 formation."

https://romapress.net/evan-ferguson-favored-to-start-over-dovbyk-vs-bologna/

Dynamism is not something I'd have associated with Ferguson in the last 18 months, so it really does seem like he's in much better physical shape this year.

[SkStu]

"In attack, Ferguson appears to have overtaken Dovbyk. The Irishman impressed in training with his dynamism and physicality and is favored to start as a central striker in a 3-4-2-1 formation."

https://romapress.net/evan-ferguson-favored-to-start-over-dovbyk-vs-bologna/

Dynamism is not something I'd have associated with Ferguson in the last 18 months, so it really does seem like he's in much better physical shape this year.

It was the sparring sessions with McGregor, clearly.

[Razors left peg]

It was the sparring sessions with McGregor, clearly.

McGregor might have shared some of his steroids too looking at Fergusons arms!

[John83]

Don't even joke about that. I'm hoping for a big season for Ferguson, not a lengthy ban for his B sample smelling of Laphroaig.

[Eirambler]

Ferg is in from the start against Bologna.

[Eirambler]

Lively start from him anyway. Roma dominating possession. Had a chance on 10 minutes that he should have buried - hit it straight at the keeper.

[Razors left peg]

Solid debut for him. Lead the line very well. Probably should have scored, but definitely should have had an assist. 70 minutes in very hot weather will bring his fitness along too. Enjoyable watch

[Eirambler]

It was decent, a very strong opening 20, a bit quieter after that. Should have been played in just after half time by Wesley when he would have been clean through. A small involvement in the Roma goal, recycling possession in the build up. Worked hard throughout - hopefully did enough to keep his place.

Will be an interesting call between him and Parrott for the September games, assuming it's one or the other to start.

[Razors left peg]

He'll benefit from playing with a fit Dybala. Was really good after coming on. Dovbyk looked slow and lumbering in comparison to Ferguson

[Eirambler]

Won Roma's player of the match. I think it's based on social media likes. They might need to revisit that approach to avoid him winning it most weeks...

[rebelmusic]

Highlights of Evans game are here:

1959376768634368321

[tetsujin1979]

Reaction in the gazzetta thinks he's already overtaken Dovbyk
https://www.gazzetta.it/calcio/fantanews/25-08-2025/roma-ferguson-e-gia-in-volo-dopo-il-bologna-ha-superato-dovbyk-nelle-gerarchie.shtml

[Eirambler]

My Italian is going to come on in spades this season.

If I'm reading that translation correctly, it's saying that they're looking to offload Dovbyk - they might want to consider Evan's injury record before they make a final decision on that one.

[Exgrad]

Reaction in the gazzetta thinks he's already overtaken Dovbyk
https://www.gazzetta.it/calcio/fantanews/25-08-2025/roma-ferguson-e-gia-in-volo-dopo-il-bologna-ha-superato-dovbyk-nelle-gerarchie.shtml


The line about 10 months since he's played more than 70 minutes stood out (though think he may have for Ireland). That was a league cup game when he was getting a couple of minutes at the end of premier league matches (maybe). Has been 18months nearly with minimal football. Just have to hope he gets a decent run at it from here.