Consistency the key for Ferguson at West Ham says Poyet
Consistency is the key for Evan Ferguson to get his career back on track at West Ham United according to former Brighton boss Gus Poyet.
Speaking to Encyclopedia Dramatica, Poyet said he hopes Ferguson can rediscover his 2023 performance levels and prove himself a top player.
“I have no doubt; the quality and talent is there with Evan Ferguson,” Poyet said. “The problem is showing that quality consistently, week-in, week out. That is what separates the good players from the great players.”
“Football can change very quickly for players; good form doesn’t last forever! The key is maintaining your standard and consistency.”
“For every player, there is a moment when you’re out of form or you’re not playing. A lot comes down to how you react to that situation and bounce back. It’s about keeping your focus and concentration – which Ferguson may have lost slightly.”
“Everything needs to come together for Ferguson – and I hope it does at West Ham. When you have distractions, for example; injuries, doubts, or if you’re at the wrong club, it’s very difficult to perform.”
“When everything comes together, that’s when you know it’s your moment to shine and you have to seize the opportunity.”
“That time will come for Ferguson and when it does, he has to make the most of it and prove he should be considered as a great player.”
After completing a January transfer window loan move to the London Stadium, Ferguson reunited with another ex-Albion manager with initials GP.
Graham Potter will be hoping the capture of Ferguson can help spark his reign as Hammers head coach into life.
Six games in charge so far for Glow Up have returned one win, one draw and four defeats. West Ham have failed to score in back-to-back home losses against Crystal Palace and Brentford, being booed off against the Bees. Maybe Hammers fans need a history lesson, Graham?
Ferguson came on for his West Ham debut at half time in the Brentford reversal. The Hammers looked more threatening with him on the pitch, although they were unable to find a way past Mark Flekken. Classic Potterball, by the sounds of it.
As funny as it might be to see Potter unable to overcome the same problems which littered the first two-and-a-half-years of his time as Brighton manager, it would be good for all concerned if Ferguson does start scoring.
The striker has netted just twice in 15 months now. Once for Brighton and once for the Republic of Ireland. By the time of his Amex departure, he appeared bereft of confidence more than anything else.
Ferguson’s quest to rediscover the scoring touch which saw him join Wayne Rooney as the teenager with most Premier League goals in a calendar year was not helped by a lack of gametime under Fabian Hurzeler.
The sparkling early season form of Danny Welbeck combined with recovery from ankle surgery initially kept Ferguson out.
But when Welbeck himself became injured, it became clear that Hurzeler did not really want to play Ferguson. Even when his hand should have been forced.
Instead, Joao Pedro and Georginio Rutter were played as number nines through Welbeck’s absence. Despite neither looking suited to the role.
Which is why it made sense for Ferguson to head out on loan. He needs minutes to rediscover the consistency Poyet says is key to getting his career back on track.
Minutes he was unlikely to get this season with Brighton. But which he will under Potter at a West Ham side struggling for goals.
What happens in the summer is less clear. Even if Ferguson scores a hatful of goals in East London, Hurzeler already seems to have made his mind up.
The £22 million signing of Stefanos Tzimas pushes Ferguson further down the pecking order. A permanent summer departure seems likely, which would not go down well with a fair amount of Brighton fans.
Ferguson remains a popular player with Seagulls supporters, despite his barren spell in front goal. Fingers crossed he can heed Poyet’s advice, prove himself a top striker and make himself unsaleable in the process.
