France forward Kylian Mbappe has lavished praise on Republic of Ireland and Brighton forward Evan Ferguson ahead of Monday's Euro 2024 qualifier.
Ferguson, who only signed his first professional contract in October last year, is a regular starter under Roberto de Zerbi at Brighton.
The 18-year-old has scored eight times for club and country this season, including a goal on his first senior international start against Latvia on Wednesday.
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After such a promising performance last week, Ferguson will be hoping to make an even bigger impact on Monday night against World Cup finalists France.
All eyes will be on Ferguson at the Aviva Stadium. In fact, Manchester United will send scouts to watch the teenager play against France, according to The Sun.
With transfer interest high, one of the best players in world football has only gone and enhanced Ferguson's reputation with some rare praise.
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Speaking at a press conference ahead of Monday night's game, Kylian Mbappe was asked about coming up against the Brighton forward.
"He's a good striker, an important striker for that team," he said. "We've seen some clips about him, of course.
"But we hope tomorrow he's going to do nothing and that means we are going to win and we're going to do our job. But he is a good player."
Even though Manchester United are reportedly coming to watch him in action against Didier Deschamps' side, Ferguson will reportedly reject all proposals.
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The teenager believes he is better served staying with the Seagulls where he will have a better chance of playing first team football.
His decision, meanwhile, may come as a surprise considering his allegiance, having grown up a fan of the Reds.
During an interview in January last year, Ferguson told Brighton's website that he "grew up Manchester United fan" and used to "watch Danny Welbeck every week".
Roberto De Zerbi, meanwhile, described Ferguson as a "special striker" after seeing his side advance to the FA Cup semi-finals.
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He said: "Me and my staff are working to improve him to not only be a number nine and a striker but improve him to be understanding the play – when to receive the ball or when to attack the space and not only one thing – to complete the player, to complete the guy.
"He’s a very good guy and I think that if you work with a clever guy it’s nice because he understands and he improves day by day."
Thoughts on Mbappe's comments about Ferguson? Do you think he should leave Brighton in the summer for another club?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: BeanymanSports/YouTube - AlamyTopics: Brighton And Hove Albion, Premier League, France, Republic of Ireland