Evan Ferguson has scored two goals in as many games over the past week.

But there was another moment when he underlined his impressive maturity to his head coach.

The 18-year-old has kick-started his Premier League career in spectacular fashion over the last few days.

His presence and pressing forced Arsenal into a mistake before scoring against them at the Amex.

And he made room at the near post to guide home a shot at Everton.

There have been other moments when he has shown wisdom beyond his years.

Like when he made space for Kaoru Mitoma to score against Arsenal.

Or his work for the third goal, scored by Solly March, at Goodison.

And then there was what looks like the biggest minus – but was actually a plus for his coach.

That was when he was shown a yellow card for a foul as he halted play with Albion down to ten men late in the first on Tuesday as Mitoma lay injured but play was waved on.

As much as the goal, that moment caught De Zerbi’s eye.

The Albion boss said: “He’s 18 but in terms of his head he is older.

“This is the good thing about Evan.

“I like him in terms of play but for example the yellow card was important to understand the level of his mentality.

“I think he will be an important player for the second half of the season, a very important player.”

While every player is different, some are more different than others.

Ferguson bears far greater similarity in playing style to Danny Welbeck than to Leandro Trossard.

It will be interesting, therefore, to see what role Ferguson plays, and how often, now Welbeck is back in action.

The former England man will play some part in the FA Cup at Middlesbrough today.

One would have though there was plenty to be learned from training with Welbeck for a young No.9.

De Zerbi said: “For sure Welbeck is a very serious professional and he is still a strong player.

“To learn, the youngsters have to watch the players who are a bit older.

“But I don’t know if he has learned a lot from him or less.”

Albion are top scorers away from home in the Prem, which is some going for what used to be seen as a goal-shy and shot-shy outfit.

The change for the better started before De Zerbi arrived – for example in successive big wins over Manchester United and Wolves late last season or a 5-2 romp against Leicester in Graham Potter’s last game in charge.

But that start has been been built on by the current management.

De Zerbi said: “I don’t deserve the credit if we score a lot of goals.

“I tried to give them my style of play, but the players are very good players.

“Their quality is very important.

“For me, it’s easier to work with these players.

“I changed something in this position and something in terms of idea, more ball possession and two types of speed in possession.

“I think we are 40-50% of what I have in my head.”