Lewis Ferguson is one of the brightest young talents in Scottish football. At 22 years of age, he has already made a mark on the game by scoring crucial goals for Aberdeen. In terms of competing against Celtic, Ferguson is used to midfield battles with Scott Brown, who will now line up alongside him. As such, the Daily Record asked him: “Who is tougher to face, Scott Brown or Callum McGregor?”
The young Dons favourite wouldn’t be drawn into a direct response but he did have some interesting remarks about Callum McGregor’s ability, his under appreciation in Scotland and even described him as the benchmark for his own career ambitions. Here’s how Ferguson responded:
“I don’t want to answer that! Callum’s a really good player. For the last three years, I’ve played directly against him. And he’s pretty underrated in what he does. He’s such a good footballer, who rarely gives the ball away. He’s so neat and tidy, he’s quick and gets about the pitch. Everything about him is top class. So it will be a difficult game against him.
“I rate him so highly, as everybody in Scotland should. He goes under the radar a bit. Playing for Celtic, the forward players get more of the credit and the plaudits when they’re winning. With Scotland, it’s maybe the same. But he does his job and executes game plans perfectly. He’s just a really good midfield player and a tough opponent.
“Callum is a starter for Scotland in most games so that’s the standard I need to reach. I look up to guys like him and think, that’s the level. He’s the benchmark I need to reach to become a starter for my country.
“Going away with Scotland has helped me. Training with these guys, I’m in with loads of big names, top-class Premier League players. You see their habits even away from training, like in the gym, when you’re in their company. They’re at the level I want to reach. It gives me an insight into what it takes to get there. Hopefully I can pick up some of those habits. But the only way I get in the Scotland squad is by performing well for Aberdeen.”
Lewis Ferguson has certainly done that for the Dons in recent times. He has already scored five goals against Celtic, but is yet to be part of an Aberdeen victory over the Hoops. It is vital that Ange Postecoglou’s team keep him quiet and ensure his winless record against Celtic continues today.