Evan Ferguson delivered exactly the response Gian Piero Gasperini demanded, scoring twice in Roma’s impressive 3–0 Europa League win over Celtic — and earning a fresh challenge from his manager in the process. The Irish striker, on loan from Brighton, has faced questions over attitude and consistency in recent weeks, but his performance at Celtic Park was a reminder of the raw potential that once made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting young forwards.
Gasperini, who had publicly criticised Ferguson earlier in the week amid speculation his loan could be cut short in January, instead found himself praising the 21-year-old’s “intensity, spirit and unwavering pace” after a display that combined physical command with clinical finishing.
Gasperini: “I want him to show these qualities every time”
Roma’s manager didn’t hold back in outlining what he expects going forward.
“I want him to play with this intensity and this spirit, with this unwavering pace. I want him to show his qualities every time he goes out there.” — Gian Piero Gasperini
He stressed that young players require patience and that development is rarely linear. While he acknowledged Ferguson’s step forward, the January transfer window still looms large over the striker’s future.
“These are young players who might suddenly show consistency and growth,” Gasperini added. “It would be much better if that were the case, but we’ll talk about it later in the transfer window. We still have important games to play.”
Ferguson responds on the pitch — and off it
The Irishman played 69 minutes, scored twice and looked sharp, powerful and engaged — a stark contrast to the muted early-season form that had sparked doubts. After the match, Ferguson addressed his manager’s demands head-on.
“Every day he pushes me to the max. He expects a lot — intensity, work, everything. Even though it’s been a difficult start, I’ve trained hard and tried to give my best.” — Evan Ferguson
He also reflected on playing in Glasgow, a setting that brought familiarity:
“I like playing in this type of stadium. I’m Irish, so here I feel almost at home.”
Evan Ferguson stats vs Celtic 2025/26
| Stat (Europa League vs Celtic) | Evan Ferguson |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 69 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.81 |
| Total Shots | 3 |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 63% (10/16) |
source: sofascore match data – 11 December 2025
The statistics underline the sharpness of his performance: efficient movement, confident striking, and far more involvement than in recent outings.
A turning point — or a temporary spark?
In our view, the Gasperini on Ferguson intensity discussion reveals more than just a manager challenging a young striker. It exposes the tension between raw talent and the demands of a top-level tactical system. Although some critics believe Ferguson has stalled since his Brighton breakthrough, the nuance is that he is adapting to a Roma side with a far more structured, high-intensity style.
From my experience covering young forwards in Serie A, Gasperini’s tough-love approach is intentional — he uses pressure as a developmental tool. For players with Ferguson’s profile, physical sharpness and off-ball aggression are non-negotiable. If Ferguson maintains the standard he set at Celtic Park, the loan could transform from a risk into a long-term opportunity.
A fair counterpoint is that one excellent performance does not erase inconsistency. Roma will want to see this level week in, week out before committing to a permanent decision in January.
Why this performance matters for Ferguson’s future
Brighton are watching closely. Ferguson remains a long-term asset for them, but his development hinges on minutes and environments that challenge him. A strong winter at Roma could reopen pathways — either a return to Brighton’s starting picture, a renewed loan, or a future sale. His brace in Glasgow might be the moment that reboots his season.
Key Insights
- Gasperini praised Ferguson’s intensity and spirit after his brace vs Celtic.
- Roma want more consistency from the 21-year-old before deciding his future.
- Ferguson acknowledged his manager’s tough standards and says he’s working hard.
- His performance reignites hope he can still develop into a top European forward.
- January remains a crucial month in determining whether his loan continues.
What’s Next
Roma face several key fixtures before the January window opens. If Ferguson strings together even two or three more strong displays, the club’s stance on ending the loan early could change dramatically. For now, Gasperini has issued his challenge — and Ferguson has answered the first part.
👉 Roma fans — is Celtic Park the night Ferguson finally turned the corner?
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