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:

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[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.

[Eirambler]

Starts again tonight against Pisa. Would be great if he could score his first Roma goal, but the main thing is that he doesn't get injured.

[Razors left peg]

Assist for Ferguson. Hes been brilliant with his back to goal all game and it lead to goal

[Eirambler]

No goal, but a good assist and no obvious signs of an injury - I'll take that.

[irishfan86]

I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in his body position back to goal and his hold up play. No goals in the first two league matches but he’s contributing in other ways and that’s great to see. He was basically a finisher only at Brighton and seems to have come into this season a bit more well rounded.

[Stuttgart88]

His first touch with his back to goal is already considerably better than Idah's. Often Idah's first touch puts his own centre backs under pressure!

[seanfhear]

His first touch with his back to goal is already considerably better than Idah's. Often Idah's first touch puts his own centre backs under pressure!LOl, are you saying that Idah's first touch is a back-pass ?

Andy / Andrew Cole has the first touch control of an out of control oil-super-tanker, he still managed to score a lot of goals mind !

[irishfan86]

Four matches, no goals. But he’s part of a winning team and seems to be contributing beyond goals which was the biggest criticism of him during his time at Brighton and early days with us — when he was all goals and not much else.

As long as he keeps getting minutes and Roma keeps winning, I guess it’s all good but would be nice if he scored soon.

[Eirambler]

Didn't start the Europa League game midweek and doesn't start today either. So, in other words, he's been dropped.

[irishfan86]

Came off the bench and contributed in the buildup to Roma’s second goal.

Dovbyk started and scored, before Ferguson replaced him on hour mark. Gasperini likes to start one of Dovbyk or Ferguson then sub at 60 min mark so I assume Ferguson will continue to get minutes in some capacity but would be nice for him to get off the mark.

[Eirambler]

Gasperini was reported to be ready to let Dovbyk go a month ago, so not ideal that he's now being preferred to start over Ferguson.

[tetsujin1979]

Highlights are here, second goal is at 1:02. Ferguson involved, passes in the box to the player who gets lucky with a shot, or possibly a pass, that rebounds to Soulé to finish
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[pineapple stu]

Given how badly the West Ham loan went - and indeed the last 18 months have gone - I was never really expecting him to walk into the Roma starting line-up. That he seems to be doing ok there is an improvement on last year at least. A goal would be nice though.

[irishfan86]

It’s an interesting situation. His hold up play is improving, he’s helping others score. It’s not as if he’s missing loads of chances. Matches I’ve seen watched have been tight, Roma often facing opponents playing a low block.

New challenge for Ferguson and he’s looked okay contributing to team wins without being exceptional.

[passinginterest]

Would be nice to see him scoring, but it's been a solid start. Getting good minutes but his load is being well managed. I still think there's a lot of questions to be answered at both club and international level about how many minutes he played when he was clearly struggling with injuries as a very young man. Those injuries, at a critical time, for a player who was still growing and filling out, really set him back. I wouldn't be too concerned as long as he keeps getting 30 minutes off the bench and intermittent starts for another few months. Hopefully once he starts scoring and really proves his resilience he'll be starting more in the new year.

[pineapple stu]

Starting against Lille in the Europa League shortly

[SkStu]

Theyve just gone a goal behind early on. Might be a good thing for him in terms of how the game unfolds.

[pixiehead]

Only turned it on and saw him fail to connect with a 1/2 chance near post. Replaced shortly afterwards.
His replacement shortly after had a penalty saved.... But got to retake it for keeper off his line. But the keeper saved it again..... But they called it back again. This time they gave the penalty to another player.... Who had his penalty saved.

[SkStu]

Theyve just gone a goal behind early on. Might be a good thing for him in terms of how the game unfolds.

...or not.

[Eirambler]

Back to Brighton in January at this rate?

[pineapple stu]

Main consolation I guess is he's not exactly being outdone by his teammates. 7 goals in 7 games is pretty paltry for a side up at the top of the table

[Razors left peg]

Havent seen last couple of weeks from him, but he was playing well in first few games. I still have hope he'll be ok there

[SkStu]

Agreed. Also, his Irish form shows that he is a top young player. He just needs a Parrott-type run at club level (not even to that extent) to get back on reputation.

[irishfan86]

Been watching Roma regularly. They really don’t create many chances, but Ferguson isn’t doing himself any favours either. He really needs to work on his first touch under pressure and learn how to shield the ball better.

He has matches where he looks like a proper target man but often Roma just pass it around the outside, hit hopeful but poor quality balls into the area and hope for the best. At times it feels like his teammates don’t want to pass to him which is a worry.

Roma are doing well in the league and Ferguson continues to play —I’ll just keep repeating that to myself like everything is OK.

[rebelmusic]

At times it feels like his teammates don’t want to pass to him which is a worry.

I had the same feeling watching him last season. I'd like to believe he's just getting in good positions and his team mates just don't see it.

I think we all need to remember it took 2-3 years for Troy to reach his early promise. I've no doubt Evan will come good. In theory we could have Troy in his prime and Evan finally finding his feet in time for the. 2028 qualifiers. Something to be hopeful about

[samhaydenjr]

For anyone who is feeling concern that perhaps Ferguson is falling short of our hopes for him, I just wanted to note that if he scores one goal in the remaining qualifiers, he will hit eight international goals at a younger age than Robbie Keane.

[texidub]

Didn't know that. Puts a bit of perspective on it. And in a much weaker team too.

[pineapple stu]

Robbie had scored three times as many goals at club level by age 21 though (53 v 17)