Numbers that show Ferguson's depreciation at Brighton
Clearly, his time on the pitch has been curtailed by injuries, so anything looking at his goal and assist output over the past season would probably be unfair.For the record, though, six goals apiece in 2022-23 and 2023-24 were followed by just one last season.However, as the graph above shows, both his passing and shooting accuracy also dropped off last season - not the sign of a player who is maturing but rather hinting at one that is regressing.It could be argued his lack of minutes makes it harder for him to pick up the rhythm required to be in sync with his team-mates - but even in previous campaigns he was not starting every week under Roberto de Zerbi.And after all, those who make a splash as a teenager do not necessarily cut loose in the water until later in their career. Everyone progresses differently.For now, it looks more like that his rip-roaring start to life at Brighton established expectations that were unrealistic.Aspinall reckons a change of scenery could unlock his ability.If Brighton sell him, it will be someone else's opportunity to cash in on how that once frightening prospect ultimately turns out.
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