Having been a professional for 22 years, James Milner has played with and against several top striker.
As a result, it would be safe to take the the former Manchester City winger’s word on a number nine.
Throughout his career, Milner has played with several great strikers.
The 38-year-old has played alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko, Wayne Rooney and Roberto Firmino to name a few.
Milner has not only played alongside great strikers but also a vast variety of profiles of them.
Recently, Pep Guardiola’s side have been linked with several number nines.
However, Sam Lee claimed on Monday City are unlikely to sign Kyogo Furuhashi and Orri Oskarsson this summer — two strikers they have been linked to.
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What Milner said about striker Man City are reportedly ready to bid for
However, it was reported that Manchester City aim to submit a bid for Evan Ferguson — who Brighton & Hove Albion value at £70 million. The report also claimed that City were hoping to sign the 19-year-old on loan before negotiating a fee the season after.
Milner, who left Liverpool to sign for Brighton last summer has played alongside Ferguson for more than a season now.
As a result, the veteran’s verdict on the Irishman — especially due to his wealth of experience would be an eye-opener into the player the latter is.
Milner raved about Manchester City target Ferguson when discussing his qualities in an interview with TNT Sports in January this year.
The Champions League winner said: “I think [he’s] a great lad, first and foremost. Wants to learn, wants to get about, which is so important.”
“He’s in a great place in terms of the club, the manager he’s working with. Senior players he works with, looking at someone like Welbz [Danny Welbeck], how he goes about his business and how he plays. He’s in a great spot.”
Milner gave an insight into Ferguson’s qualities and attitude as well.
“His finishing is phenomenal, you know, just so good. If a chance is falling, you want it to go to him.”
“[There are] so many areas he can improve, but that’s normal for a young guy. But his ability already. I’ve seen massive improvements in his hold-up play since the start of the season.”
The three-time Premier League winner added: “Depending on what team you’re playing in, his finishing might be enough for one team, but how we play — he hold-up play, the cleverness, the movement to fit into the style of play we play, that’s important as well. Learning off Welbz, that’s important.”
“His attitude is fantastic but his ability is so good. It’s important that we protect him.
“There’s hype around him, as there should be, but he’s definitely in the right place at this moment in time and hopefully he’ll keep banging them in for us.”
Evan Ferguson would be a cracking signing for Man City but there’s one question mark
Considering Ferguson has struggled to nail down his starting spot at Brighton, in theory, he would not mind accepting a move to the Etihad Stadium and serving as an understudy to a striker of Erling Haaland’s ilk.
The 19-year-old’s eye for goal, towering stature, impressive technique and lethal finishing are attributes that make him a future superstar.
As a result, under Pep Guardiola’s keen eye, the youngster could develop into a world-class striker.
Both as an impact substitute as well as a starter, Ferguson would likely fare extremely well in a City side that will create far more chances for him than at Brighton.
The question is whether Ferguson would be satisfied with being a mere backup to Haaland.
The highly-rated goalscorer would be hoping to play regular football if he departed Brighton this summer.
However, at Manchester City, Ferguson may largely serve as a squad player.
Whether the Irish international backs himself to fight for a place in one of the best teams in the world or instead prioritises more regular football will be interesting to discover if he leaves Brighton.
