Joao Pedro Watford
Posted inDaily News

Roberto De Zerbi says he made Joao Pedro ‘mistake’ after loss against Arsenal

April 8, 2024
The Brazil international started on the bench in the 3-0 defeat by Arsenal. De Zerbi put that down to his decision to leave him on for the full game at Brentford after a two-month absence forced by injury. Albion had just gone 2-0 down when he was sent on as a substitute along with Facundo Buonanotte. De Zerbi said: “I made a mistake at Brentford because Joao Pedro couldn’t play in the first XI (on Saturday) because I kept him on the pitch for 90 minutes. “In my head before the Brentford game was to change him after 65 minutes. “But to try to win the game and on the bench there wasn’t another striker, I made a mistake.” Albion have a clear week to plan for their trip to Turf Moor. De Zerbi said: “When we prepare the game with the right time and not every three days we are a completely different team.”
Vincent Kompany
Posted inDaily News

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany’s verdict on Everton defeat

April 8, 2024
The only goal came on the stroke of half time when Aro Muric’s clearance was charged down by Dominic Calvert-Lewis and deflected into the net. Dara O’Shea was sent off in the second half after bringing down Dwight McNeil just over the halfway line. “The letter of the law says he should have been denying a goalscoring opportunity to be sent off and I’ll let you guys make your judgement on that,” said Kompany. “There was a lot of force on the ball and it would be a comfortable pick up for the goalkeeper.” The result leaves the Clarets six points from safety, but Kompany refused to pin the blame on his goalkeeper. “He has to keep going. It is part of being a professional footballer. We all live with the mistakes we make, it happens for everyone in life and in football it is no different,” he added. “Our momentum collapsed twice through moments of our own doing. But I can’t for one second criticise the effort of the team and the idea to come here and play like this.”
Van Hecke
Posted inDaily News

Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke on new contract with the club #BHAFC

December 19, 2023
The Dutch defender stood out at Arsenal, days after signing a new contract with Albion. He has impressed Roberto De Zerbi with his progress and confidence and has become a firm fans’ favourite. Van Hecke told the Argus: “I just try to play every game at my best and tell myself that I need to be better than my last game. “I step on the pitch with a lot of confidence. “I think that’s good but not too much and also be eager to become a better player.” Albion complete a hectic period by tackling Palace at Selhurst Park on Thursday. It feels like the sort of ultra-competitive occasion which would be right up the 22-year-old’s street. Van Hecke said: “I haven’t thought too much about it but now we focus on that one. “We know how important it is for the club, for the fans, for the players. “I am really looking forward to it and hopefully we can go there for the win.” Van Hecke and Albion will hope to have more of the game than in the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates. He said: “I suppose you look first to yourself but then you also need to look to our opponent and they were really strong. “It’s a top team, maybe one of the best in the world. “I think at times we played some football how we usually do but a lot of times they had us under pressure and they played some good football. “It was a difficult game but in the first half we defended our goal really well so we had good hopes for the second half. “In the first five minutes we had some control but then they scored out of a corner and then a late goal. “We can also score 1-1 with Pascal. “It would not have been deserved but at our place we sometimes draw or lose games and it is also not deserved.”
Adam Smith Bournemouth
Posted inDaily News

Adam Smith reveals AFC Bournemouth ‘totally different’ under Andoni Iraola #AFCB

December 19, 2023
The club made a bold move in the summer to replace Gary O’Neil with the sought-after Iraola, when his contract expired at Rayo Vallecano. Iraola, a former Spain international, spent most of his playing career in Bilbao with Athletic Club, where he made over 500 appearances. Smith recently passed the 350-game milestone at Cherries, with Iraola the seventh different boss he has played under at Dean Court. During his loan spell in 2010-11, the Tottenham Hotspur youngster played for Eddie Howe and then Lee Bradbury. Smith then signed from Spurs permanently in 2014, again under Howe, before going on to feature regularly for Jason Tindall, Jonathan Woodgate, Scott Parker and O’Neil. The 32-year-old has recently enjoyed a run back in the starting XI under Iraola, impressing at right-back having played second fiddle to new signing Max Aarons for much of the campaign. Asked how different things have been on a day-to-day basis since Iraola’s arrival, Cherries’ first ever overseas boss, Smith told the Daily Echo: “Yes, it probably is (completely different). “We are in most days, so there are less days off. Training is still intense but not as hard, but we train mostly every day. “Everything is totally different, so I think that is why I think it took us a bit of time to adapt.” Asked what his initial reaction was when he heard Iraola was being hired to replace O’Neil over the summer, Smith recalled: “It was just a big shock, to be honest, as I’m sure it was for everyone else. “But I read up on him. He played under (Marcelo) Bielsa and it looks like he had a great career as well. “I was definitely excited for him to come in and to work with him.” Iraola spent most of his playing career featuring at right-back, the same position as Smith, before retiring in 2016. “It is good that he has a better understanding of what me and Maxy go through, him playing as a full-back,” said Smith. “He can definitely help us with certain aspects of the game.” Smith has now featured in eight Premier League seasons, having debuted in the competition for Spurs in 2012. In Cherries’ first top-flight campaigns, Smith nailed down his starting spot, rarely missing a fixture, unless injured on suspended. Last season the defender played in 37 of Cherries’ 38 Premier League matches, with his tally in the competition now approaching 200. Discussing the differences he has noticed over the years, Smith said: “Back in the day, you felt like the top five teams had wingers who were dangerous, but now it is every team in the whole league. “The left winger is probably always their best player, if I’m honest! “For me and Maxy it is really tough, with some of the wingers we come up against. “It’s what the Premier League is now, with scouting all over the world, they are bringing the best players here. It is going to be tough every game.” Smith will hope to keep his place when Cherries go to Nottingham Forest on Saturday (3pm).
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

Roberto De Zerbi prepares Brighton to face Marseille after heavy Aston Villa defeat #BHAFC

October 2, 2023
Roberto De Zerbi is lifting his squad following a 6-1 defeat and ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash at Marseille. Albion have time to prepare before flying to the south of France on Wednesday. But there is plenty to do after they were torn apart by, principally, an Ollie Watkins treble. Head coach De Zerbi expects to see “the true Brighton” in France and said of the Villa game: “It may be one of the most important days of our lives and our time in Brighton because the level is changing. “We wanted to reach this level and now we can play, we can compete for the history of our club, for the history of ourself. “We are playing for different things than our football. “If everyone thinks like this, you can find the mental energy to play.” De Zerbi took off Danny Welbeck, Evan Ferguson and Pervis Estupinan at half-time but not with thoughts on Marseille. He said: “In my head, there was only Aston Villa. I wanted to change something in that part of the pitch because I thought to change the game.”
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

AFC Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola on reunion with Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta #AFCB

October 2, 2023
Arteta’s Arsenal ended up comfortable 4-0 winners at Vitality Stadium, following goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Ben White. A lot of the build-up to the fixture in the national press and on social media focused on Iraola and Arteta’s shared footballing past, the pair playing in the same Antiguoko team in their native Basque country. Aside from a single game together for Spain’s under-21s, it was the last time the pair crossed paths, prior to this summer’s meeting of all Premier League managers. Asked about the reunion following the game, Iraola responded: “Once the game starts, you forgot about these things. “You focus on the sporting side. I congratulated him and I will just talk to him right now as soon as I finish. “But during the game at the end, you forget about these things and then you can complete it.” Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is also from the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, as well as ex-Wolves manager Julien Lopetegui, who left the Premier League this summer.
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

Hatters duo declared fit for Burnley as Hatters boss Rob Edwards vows to manage injuries #LutonTownFC

October 2, 2023
Watch more of our videos on Shots!and live on Freeview channel 276Visit Shots! nowHatters boss Rob Edwards has been given a selection boost ahead of tomorrow night’s Premier League clash at home to Burnley with both Tom Lockyer and Reece Burke having been declared fit.The pair started Saturday’s 2-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park, following the half time whistle, Burke didn’t reappear for the second period, replaced by Danish centre half Mads Andersen.Then with 10 minutes gone of the second period, Lockyer was also forced off having taken a blow to the face before the break, his eye starting to swell up fairly badly, Teden Mengi on for his Premier League debut.Tom Lockyer goes off injured against Everton on Saturday - pic: Lewis Storey/Getty ImagesDespite the much-changed back-line, Luton still managed to secure their first three points of the season, but ahead of a home match with a winless Clarets on Tuesday night, there is every chance both will feature, as Edwards said “We’re okay, we had a couple of knocks and made two changes, were forced into a couple of changes at the weekend."Both Burkey and Locks have come through today so that’s good news for us."They’ll be okay, no fresh injury worries from the weekend, so the squad will be the squad that it was from Saturday.”Burke’s stint at Luton has been blighted by injury at times, as in his first two years, he has never begun more than six league games in a row.Saturday was his fifth successive start in the top flight this term, as Edwards knows keeping him fit will be a huge shot in the arm for the Hatters’ chances of staying up, continuing: “His groin was sore, he’s seen a few people over the last couple of days, so he’s all right."It’s just that groin area, but he’s seen someone this morning and got the all-clear, it’s just going to be a little bit sore."He trained today, no problem, so that was a big plus.“He’s been excellent, he’s a really good player and an important player for us as well.”Monitoring the former West Ham United and Hull City centre back will now be key to ensure his body can withstand a full campaign in the Premier League, with Edwards adding: “We don’t want to lose him for a period of time, so it’s just something we’re going to have to manage over the next week or so, get through to the international break and then we can get a little bit of work into him."What he does, he puts every ounce of it into everything, every day."Sometimes you want to say ‘Burkey, just be steady, slow down, just chill out a little bit and manage yourself.’"But I’d rather be doing that and rein people in than kick them up the backside and get them to work hard."He’s just a really good pro and he’s an important player for us.”
Tom Lockyer
Posted inDaily News

Luton skipper elated to achieve the accolade of becoming a Premier League goalscorer #LutonTownFC

October 2, 2023
Watch more of our videos on Shots!and live on Freeview channel 276Visit Shots! nowHatters skipper Tom Lockyer was understandably elated to earn an accolade he never thought was possible, becoming a Premier League goalscorer when netting Town's opener in their 2-1 win at Everton on Saturday.The 28-year-old hasn’t been known for his scoring record during the majority of his career, far from it in fact, with 15 goals in 435 club matches.He managed just seven in seven years at Bristol Rovers, on target in the Conference, League Two, League One and the Checkatrade Trophy, before notching once for Charlton in his 43 Championship outings for the Addicks.Signing for Luton in September 2020, the Wales international again had to wait a while to wheel away in celebration, on target in a 2-1 success over Bristol City in January 2022.Last term, Lockyer opened his account in a 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Newport County, also scoring in the 1-1 draw at Coventry in the league.He then finished the campaign with the most prolific run of his career to date, with three goals in his last five starts, although the fifth saw him replaced inside 10 minutes after collapsing on the pitch during the play-off final at Wembley.Thankfully making a full recovery, Lockyer started his fifth top flight match for Luton at Goodison Park on Saturday, putting a glorious chance over the bar when meeting Alfie Doughty’s corner, but there was no stopping him on 24 minutes.Tom Lockyer's disappointment at missing this header didn't last too long as he opened the scoring at Goodison Park on Saturday - pic: Lewis Storey/Getty ImagesAnother Doughty delivery saw Carlton Morris’s header rebound off the bar, with the centre half showing fantastic determination to slide in and deflect Ashley Young’s clearance into the net to put the Hatters in front for the first time this season.Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “Being a Premier League goalscorer is something you dream of and you don't think will ever happen, but what an accolade."It's special but it's a team game and a first Premier League win brings a buzz in the changing rooms."We'll enjoy it and you just hope it gives everyone a taste and they want more now.”Team-mate Morris was quick to praise his close friend as well, saying: “No matter which box he’s in he just can’t help blocking and tackling it into the net, so he’s doing it in the right way!”With most pundits writing the Hatters’ chance of staying up off before a ball was even kicked this year, Lockyer, who had to go off early in the second half due to an eye injury, was thrilled to show them that Town mean business in their attempts to remain a top flight club.He added: “There’s a lot of people been saying a lot of things, so it’s nice to try and silence them a little bit and get the first win on the board."It feels really good but we need to try and back that up as well, we want to try and push on as well.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil accepts red card but bizarrely claims Wolves deserved to beat the Hatters instead of draw #WOLVESFC

September 25, 2023
Watch more of our videos on Shots!and live on Freeview channel 276Visit Shots! nowWolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil bizarrely claimed that he felt his side deserved to emerge triumphant from their 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road yesterday.The visitors were on the back foot for almost all of the first half in which they were reduced to 10 men following Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s red card, as Luton dominated proceedings, going closest when Carlton Morris’s 20-yard rasping drive smacked against the post.Town then fell behind early in the second period, Neto breaking away to score a fine individual goal, as home stopper Thomas Kaminski made an important double save, but following that the Luton keeper wasn’t unduly tested.Referee Josh Smith sends off Wolves defender Jean-Ricner Bellegarde - pic: Liam SmithHatters drew level through a disputed penalty midway through the second half and almost won it, Chiedozie Ogbene flagged offside when tapping home from close range.The stats showed Town had the upper hand throughout, with 20 shots, three on target as opposed to three from the visitors, all of them on target.Hatters also won 10 corners to one from Wolves, having 55 percent of possession, but despite that, O’Neil said: “I’m extremely disappointed with the first 20, 25 minutes, but we knew today would be a test of mentality and being ready to go."Luton were aggressive, went man for man and we lost every duel."Every time it went into our forward players, it bounced off them, every time it went into theirs, it stuck."When it dropped into midfield they were faster to it, so I’m extremely disappointed with the first 20, 25 minutes, so much so that we had to change shape and try and get a foothold, which I thought we did."We saw off that terrible spell and managed to make the game slightly more even."We suffer a crazy moment from Jean and from that moment it’s going to be a tough hour or so."I asked a big question from the players at half time and they managed to produce second half to be fair."To come from the first 20 minutes, and lose a man, to respond the way they did and fight the way they did to the very end and deserve to win the game was a big effort from them.”One thing O’Neil didn’t really have any complaints with was the decision to send off Bellegarde late in the first period, the French defender dismissed for kicking out at Luton skipper Tom Lockyer.The former Bournemouth manager added: “I only saw it back on the iPad when they were doing the check."It looked like there was a coming together and it looked like a kick out a little bit."I’ll watch it back to have a clearer look at it but if he has kicked out I can understand the red card."Jean is very disappointed about it, he apologised to the group, apologised to me, it’s just something we can’t have."I spoke a lot about trying to fix some of the craziness within the group and that’s an extreme version of it."You can’t be successful in football matches if someone does that."The fact we leave with a point after that, is one hell of an effort from everyone, but more often than not it someone does something like you’re going to walk away with no points, which we can’t afford to do.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi feels lucky after worst performance yet winning against Bournemouth 3-1 #BHAFC

September 25, 2023
The win sees Albion move up to third in the Premier League following an emphatic brace by super-sub Kaoru Mitoma. De Zerbi said: “Today we played one of the worst games of my time (here). Two, three or four times we were lucky. Bournemouth were great in the first half. "We were better in the second half, but still not at our best level. "When you play with the young or new players, they need time to understand the new ideas on the pitch. “We won with character, passion, behaviour and not with the style of play. It's a very important part, maybe the most important. De Zerbi also highlighted the significance of Mitoma to the team and emphasised the need for him to be rested to ensure his performances remain consistent, crediting Albion owner Tony Bloom in the process for retaining the Japanese winger’s services for the season. “The credit is to Tony Bloom, not me. I think Mitoma is one of the most important players but sometimes he needs to stay on the bench to rest, to play better the next game.”
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Andoni Iraola frustrated by officiating in Brighton loss and lack of penalties #AFCB

September 25, 2023
Cherries’ wait for a spot-kick long precedes Iraola’s time at the club, failing to be given a penalty in the entirety of last season. Iraola’s men had a few shouts to referee John Brooks for a penalty during their 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Dominic Solanke went down under a challenge of Pervis Estupinan early on, before Simon Adingra’s hand connected with the face of Marcus Tavernier, also in the first half. On the flip side, both Liverpool and Swansea City have been awarded penalties against Cherries earlier this campaign, the one at Anfield particularly contentious when Dominik Szoboszlai went down under Joe Rothwell’s tackle. “I don’t know what has to happen to be given a penalty,” Iraola told the Daily Echo, after the loss at Brighton. “A slap in the face, clearly. There are people watching on TV and then we concede a penalty, I remember the one at Anfield, a light touch.” Iraola and coach Pablo de la Torre were often seen discussing decisions with fourth official Peter Bankes during the contest, who was in consultation with video assistant Michael Oliver. “We were winning 1-0 and they are key decisions that are very important,” said Iraola. “There was a check they did on Dom after five minutes, a possible penalty. I think it is a push. “But they say it has to be something else for a penalty. But you see the one we conceded at Liverpool. “It is difficult, but I understand this one because it is a push, but it is not enough for a penalty. “But not the second one. The second one he (Adingra) just slaps the face of Tavernier without any reason. “Maybe he lost his mind for one second, but sometimes red cards are like this. “It just costs one second. Now it is probably not the referees, but the ones watching. “I think that if you don’t concede this penalty, you are free in the box to slap players. “This cannot happen. It is not like there is a reason why. I think it is pretty obvious.” Cherries have slipped to 17th in the Premier League table over the weekend, with no wins from their opening six matches. They turn their attentions to the Carabao Cup in midweek, when Championship Stoke City come to Vitality Stadium.
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola on goal against Brighton and positive performance despite loss #AFCB

September 25, 2023
Dominic Solanke lofted the ball into an empty net after Ryan Christie had pickpocketed goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, but Cherries were unable to hold on, Milos Kerkez’s own goal levelling scores before the break. Karou Mitoma came off the bench to score twice and turn the game around in the hosts’ favour. Verbruggen saw a lot of the ball in the first period, being tasked with building moves for Brighton. The goalie was allowed to dwell on the ball, but Christie picked the right moment to tackle the Dutchman and set up Solanke for the opener. Cherries anticipated this, according to Iraola, who told the Daily Echo: “We knew when you come here they are going to try and build up. “We have a lot of decisions to make. “We decided to go man-to-man, taking risks and the only free man was the keeper. “We had to decide very well the moment where you have to run to the keeper, otherwise they find the spare man very easily and they are out. “I think we did really well, not only on this play, but overall during the game. We lost because of other reasons.” It took Brighton just 15 seconds to take the lead in the second half, leaving a shellshocked Cherries struggling to find a response. “I think we had the chances, especially with Antoine, the two chances he had for us,” continued Iraola. “He was very good from the bench. “Also the one that they cleared from the line and we had some chances there. “But it was much more difficult, because when they don’t have the need to attack you, they can play with the ball, they can attract you and it is much more difficult to play against Brighton once they are winning. “For me the key is having the first half where we were winning, you have to make more damage.”
Vincent Kompany
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories – Burnley boss Vincent Kompany on upcoming Manchester United test #BurnleyFC

September 22, 2023
United lost 4-3 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night to continue an early-season slump which has already seen them lose three of their opening five Premier League fixtures. With off-field issues also mounting for Ten Hag, the pressure will be on United to deliver a result at Turf Moor, but Kompany is interested only in his own players. “I only try and assess (United) in a way that I need to do for my team, their strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “I’ve been in a big club before and I know what it is when you lose a couple of games. Pressure can mount but it’s not for me to talk about them. I focus on the pitch… “We’re not busy with what is happening at the other team, that doesn’t concern us. I have to myself manage the results of our team and the performances. “I think we’re a calm camp, we’re at a place where we feel there is something really exciting ahead of us and we want to build on that moment. Everything that happens elsewhere is not our concern.” Kompany is looking to build on the positive signs shown in Monday’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest, Burnley’s first point of the season and one that could have been all three but for a contentious VAR decision that ruled out Lyle Foster’s late strike for a handball by Sander Berge. After three consecutive home defeats to Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham, the draw was a welcome step forward. “We’ve had three games against three of the top eight sides in the league and the gap has always been there,” Kompany said. “Against Forest we felt we were on an even playing field. Now it’s up to us to close the gap to the teams at the top. “I’m really looking forward to this game to see if we’ve made those steps forward. I really believe in the attacking threat in our team in terms of being able to create something and I hope that shows on Saturday.” Although Burnley’s first season back in the top flight began with three straight home games – a situation caused by the postponement of their trip to Luton in August – they were thrown in at the deep end, with the reigning champions first to visit before Villa and Spurs. Even given United’s troubles, Saturday’s 8pm kick-off appears no easier, and Kompany knows his side need to deliver more consistency over the course of a full match. “I really want (Turf Moor) to become a difficult place for any team to come,” he said. “At this moment in time when we have played against teams of the calibre of United it’s fair to say we haven’t been able to put in a 100-minute performance. “We’ve always had a threat, good spells, but we’ve got punished in spells when we weren’t at our best. “For us it’s looking at this game and saying, ‘Can we step it up and get a result against one of the best teams in the league?’. Burnley will need to do that without Foster, who has scored two of their four Premier League goals so far this season. The South African saw red late on at the City Ground on Monday and starts a three-game suspension. “We’ve built a decent squad and there’s a few players I’d like to see anyway,” Kompany said. “It’s for someone else now to step into those shoes, give it their own flavour and hopefully it pays off on the day.”
billy gilmour chelsea
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Brighton’s Billy Gilmour reveals why he will keep going for shooting a goal #BHAFC

September 11, 2023
The Albion midfielder saw his rasping shot against Newcastle end up in a finish for hat-trick man Evan Ferguson after it was fumbled by Nick Pope. He is currently with the Scotland squad as they prepare to face England in a friendly on Tuesday. Gilmour has impressed for the Seagulls early in the season but would love to add a goal or two to his game. Speaking on media duty with the national squad, Gilmour said: “It’s coming! “Two weeks ago against West Ham I came off the pitch and my dad said, ‘How many times? Do you want to just take a chance and shoot!’ “So, going into the game against Newcastle, the first time the ball was bouncing I checked back and thought ‘I just need to shoot here’. It ended up in as an assist. “Hopefully it will come soon. The most important bit is just trying to get a result and trying to help the team, for sure. “It used to be my trademark when I was growing up, edge of the box, hitting it first time, and it would go in. “But then I’ve been first team and I’ve just never scored a goal. Hopefully I can change that.” While Gilmour's dad had reservations, Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi has been pleased with the player's efforts. He maintained his recent good form by helping Scotland to a comfortable 3-0 win in Cyprus on Friday as they edge close to qualification for Euro 2024.
James Milner
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- James Milner hails Evan Ferguson and Brighton progress #BHAFC

September 5, 2023
But it is the Irish teen’s willingness to work in that respect which has impressed his senior team-mate as well as the goals. Ferguson fired in a hat-trick against Toon to secure a 3-1 win. There was as much focus on the defending he faced as there was on his finishing. Newcastle didn’t get close for the first two goals. They got a bit nearer for the third and it resulted in a deflection to wrongfoot Nick Pope. But Milner saw something else in that regard which impressed him as he watched from the substitutes’ bench. The former Liverpool man said: “It was pleasing to put in a performance like that, although there are still things to work on. “Evan set the tempo early on. He closed down and blocked a ball going forward. “That might seem a minor thing looking at the game overall, but it sets a tempo. “It shows his intent without the ball. And anyone who knows him so far in his young career, he is an unbelievable finisher. “He is a goalscorer. And when he is doing the ugly side of the game too and being the first line of defence, he was outstanding. “He is still so young but what a player for us and the ceiling is very high for him.” Ferguson snapped up a rebound for his first, then curled home from outside the box before seeing this third ricochet in of Fabian Schar. Milner said: “The first one – that was the sign of a goalscorer. “That natural movement in the box, sniffing it out the chances in the box, being on the move expecting a slip. “He scores all types of goals and it’s up to us to keep his feet on the ground and keep driving him and keep pushing him. “The manager is on him hard as well, because he knows how good he can be and wants him to improve. “He is a great lad with a great attitude and he can only get better. “For the second one, they almost offered him a chance to put it in the corner – and he did! “The more he scores like that, he might get closed down a bit quicker. “But it was a great and clam finish, and another finish of a goalscorer.” Around the interview area on Saturday evening, anyone from the Albion side who put himself forward for questions was being asked the same thing. Who does Ferguson remind you of? Who would you compare him to? Roberto De Zerbi saw some likenesses to Christin Vieri. Pascal Gross was not willing to offer a comparison. Milner has been around far too long to be tempted into mentioning any names as he spoke about an 18-year-old still some way short of the first anniversary of his first Prem goal. He said: “I don’t really want to compare him to anyone because as soon as I do that it puts pressure on him. “I want to make sure his head doesn’t get too big! “But he’s a top talent and has started his career fantastically well. “Hopefully he has a long one ahead doing the same thing. “When you compare him to other players, that puts more pressure on him than we need to at this moment. “He is at a fantastic place right now with great players around him, a great bunch of lads that will push and support him, and a manager that wants him to prove all aspects of his game.” Amid the exciting group of young players, De Zerbi has also assembled a lot of experience. And experience of good things. Success. Doing things the right way. Milner said: “When I was a young player (at Leeds United) it was the likes of David Batty and Dom Matteo that kept my feet on the ground. “Very old school, probably more than now although I still have a bit of that old school in me. “There are no tea cups being thrown around now. “But now it is our job to push Evan and advise him. “He will have ups and downs.” Ferguson has already had his hiccups. A costly missed penalty for Republic of Ireland under-21s, a couple of injuries. Those injuries were, thankfully, not as bad as they first looked although the second, sustained at Chelsea, denied him a Wembley outing in the FA Cup semi-final. He appears to have taken those setbacks in a mature way and come back strongly. The glimpses we see on social media of him trading mickey-takes with Lewis Dunk suggest someone who is confident and comfortable in his surroundings. Milner likes what he sees from the set-up in general. He said: “I am learning a great deal from the manager. “It’s great to be here, a great bunch of lads and the manager has such a passion for the game. “He pushes you every day and wants maximum effort and concentration and attention to detail. “That is massive and I am really enjoying it. I was excited to come here and you never stop learning, off players, the manager and coaching staff. “It is a lot different from what I did for a long time under Jurgen Klopp and I am enjoying it immensely. “It is exactly what I hoped for in this later stage of my career, to keep learning and improving and seeing different ways of playing.”