Emile Heskey: Leicester City wonderkid Louis Page can reach the Premier League

Former Leicester City striker Emile Heskey believes Louis Page has everything required to reach the Premier League – but says the teenage midfielder should resist the temptation to move on too soon.

The 18-year-old has attracted interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United, but remained with Leicester after the summer transfer window.

Since then, he has provided three assists in six League One appearances this term, including two in the recent 4-3 victory over Stockport County.

Heskey believes Page has all the attributes to make the step up to the Premier League and ultimately play at the highest level.

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Ability

“Can Louis Page make the step up to the Premier League? 100%. I have absolutely no doubts about it,” Heskey told 10bet.

“He’s a player that can step up to the Premier League.

“He’s a fantastic athlete, he’s a fantastic ball player, and it’s great to see Leicester still producing players like that.

“I still think Louis could have one or two more seasons at Leicester before he leaves, but he will have aspirations to go and play at the highest level and play in the Champions League, and he’s got the ability to do that.”

Heskey, who came through Leicester’s academy himself before going on to play for the club in the Premier League and win 62 England caps, believes Page would benefit from continuing to play regularly at the King Power Stadium.

He warned that moving to one of England’s biggest clubs too early could actually hinder the youngster’s progress.

Development

“I think sometimes, players can move a little bit too early and it can stunt their development,” the 48-year-old former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic striker added.

“So, in my opinion, he’s in the right place. Another season as a key player at Leicester is only going to improve him as a player and as a person.

“The reality is, going to Man United or Arsenal as an 18-year-old, you’re not going to be playing the same minutes that you are going to be playing at Leicester.

“You’re going to be playing with better players, which will enhance you as well, but that first-team football and the pressures and the demands that come with that, even in League One, is great for a young footballer’s development.

“He’ll play a lot of games this season, and that’s what he needs.”

Results

Page’s emergence has provided Leicester with a positive storyline during a difficult period for the club, who are attempting to recover from relegation to League One amid an ongoing sale process.

Russell Martin is also under pressure after a difficult start to his tenure, with results leaving the Foxes struggling to meet expectations.

Leicester have picked up just two wins from their opening seven League One games, with three draws and two defeats leaving the club 14th in the table.

Heskey admits results will ultimately determine whether Martin proves to be the right man to lead a revival.

“The thing with Leicester is results will speak for themselves whether he’s the right man or not,” he said.

“The results will tell you whether he’s the right man or not – not style of play, not overlap, underlap. It’s results, especially down there.

“We’re bringing through some good young lads, which is great, and they’re getting the opportunity to play and stake a claim for being first-team footballers. But again, the results will tell you everything.

“Results have been inconsistent. I’m hoping that they improve from now until Christmas.”

‘We’re down, we’re not out’

Heskey also believes the Jersey Mike’s Trophy can provide Leicester with an opportunity to build some momentum.

For a club that has endured a dramatic fall in recent seasons, he feels silverware would still carry plenty of significance.

“You’re winning trophies, you go to Wembley – it means something,” Heskey said.

“We’re down at the minute, we’re down, we’re not out. We’ve seen it before, so one thing with Leicester: we will rise again, but we need a platform to rise from.”

Emile Heskey’s comments were made in an exclusive interview with 10bet.

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