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A superb hat-trick has placed one striker in the shop window for Tottenham Hotspur more than any other.
Whoever is tasked with replacing Harry Kane, the local hero with 280 goals in Spurs colours, faces a daunting task. But Evan Ferguson looked as though he has the tools for the job against Newcastle United last weekend.
All three goals showcased varying techniques to put the Magpies to the sword. The first was a typical poacher’s goal, with Ferguson the first to react inside the area. His second - the game-killer - was a cool finish from 20 yards, curling past the helpless Nick Pope to put the match to bed.
While the third needed a slice of good fortune, the Irishman was again in the right place when required to score from close range. Brighton’s £120million price tag was laughed off last month but, on this evidence, it is only a matter of time before somebody forks out - with interest already from the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and more.
At 6ft 2ins, both players bear a striking resemblance in frame and stature. But comparing the stats is where the similarities get interesting.
Although he has played far fewer games, Ferguson (0.74 per game) has a slightly better goal ratio than Kane (0.69) - helped by his hat-trick at the weekend. The Brighton forward also has an almost identical assist record (0.15 per game) to the former Tottenham talisman (0.14).
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Interestingly, the duo also average comparable shots per game averages, with Kane’s rate (3.79 per game) only marginally higher than Ferguson’s (3.74). An average shot distance of 17.3 yards for Kane does signal that he is more comfortable shooting from outside the box, with his Brighton counterpart (15.4 yards) less likely to have a pop from range.
One area you may assume Kane has the upper hand in is passing. In recent years, the England captain has often dropped deep to link with his wide players, forming a devastating partnership with Son Heung-min.
However, the 30-year-old only has a 68.4% pass completion average throughout his career. Ferguson, by contrast, is successful with 81.8% of his passes. This is largely offset by Kane attempting 3.62 long passes per game.
Defensively, the two also follow a similar trajectory. Ferguson makes 0.46 tackles per game, with Kane (0.49) slightly ahead. But it is the ex-Spurs man (42.3%) who trumps the Irishman (39.3%) when it comes to aerial duels won.
Brighton appear to have unearthed another gem in Ferguson, who they signed from Dublin club Bohemians for a nominal fee two years ago. The conveyor belt of talent at the Amex Stadium continues to produce the goods and, with five years left on his contract, the Seagulls will command a colossal fee.
At 18, he is already ahead of where Kane was at the same age. Daniel Levy could do worse than breaking the bank to ensure Ferguson does the same for Tottenham.
Kane | Ferguson | |
Goals per game | 0.69 | 0.74 |
Assists per game | 0.14 | 0.15 |
Shots per 90 | 3.79 | 3.74 |
Shot average distance (yds) | 17.3 | 15.4 |
Pass completion (%) | 68.4 | 81.8 |
Tackles per game | 0.49 | 0.46 |
Aerial duels won (%) | 42.3 | 39.3 |
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