Not a lot to really talk about today. Perhaps the footballing world were too busy being enthralled by the thrilling footballing encounter taking place at Turf Moor. Here’s what we read today…
Carl Rushworth
Albion’s recruitment team seem to have been on a mission to acquire as many talented young goalkeepers as they possibly can. Carl Rushworth is the oldest of this group and has followed a textbook Albion loan-team path, moving up a level each season.
Currently at Swansea, after successful loans at Worthing, Walsall and Lincoln, Rushworth has had another fine season and is in running for the Swans’ Player of the Season. The question for Rushworth, and indeed the Albion, is where next for Rushworth.
At 22, he’s a year older than Bart Verbruggen who seems to have finally won the battle to be Albion’s first choice between the sticks. Ex-Albion development coach Luke Williams now manages the Swans and seems keen to retain Rushworth, recently saying: “I think he is going to be with us next season of course, but after that he is going to go on and be a top Premier League keeper I am sure because of the quality he has but also the personality he has to go with it.”
Rushworth’s form in the Championship earned him an England U-21 call-up, and the Mirror are reporting that Gareth Southgate may be considering him for the senior squad. Whilst Jordan Pickford is guaranteed to start if fit, it seems it is currently less-clear who his deputies may be.
With Aaron Ramsdale not playing first-team football and both Nick Pope and Sam Johnstone recovering from injuries, there could be a squad opening for an in-form stopper who is playing regularly. Any such call-up would surely raise Rushworth’s profile even higher.
Could this happen? Have your say here!
Evan Ferguson
Spanish outlet Fichajes have written again about Mikel Arteta’s admiration for Albion’s young striker Evan Ferguson.
This campaign promised much for the 19-year-old after he burst onto the scene last season. And things were looking good as he scored in the opening day victory over Luton, following it up with a stunning hat-trick as Albion saw off Newcastle in early September.
From there it’s been a frustrating time for the Irish international, scoring only two further goals for Albion, the last of which came in November’s 2-1 defeat of Nottingham Forest. Ferguson, currently injured, finds himself on a goalless run of 23 games, for club and country.
This feels unthinkable for such a natural instinctive finisher, but it can’t be a coincidence that Albion have been without Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma for much of the season, both of whom can provide the supply on which Ferguson thrives.
Brighton fan discussion: Just when will Evan Ferguson score another goal?
There is no doubt Ferguson remains destined for great things, but his recent struggles in front of goal may help keep potential suitors, including Arsenal, waiting on the sidelines for another season at least.
Images courtesy of Reuters