Former Leicester City striker Emile Heskey has sung the praises of Louis Page and believes the 18-year-old is destined for a career at the top of the game.
Leicester starlet Page was the subject of intense interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United this summer but remained at the King Power Stadium, although both clubs retain a strong interest in the England youth international.
Heskey was also drawn on Russell Martin and shared his hopes that the former Southampton boss can get his old club on a winning run, starting with the Football League Trophy fixture against Stevenage.
Martin’s Foxes are 14th in League One after winning just two of their opening seven league games, drawing three and losing two.
Page a fantastic athlete
During an exclusive sitdown interview with 10bet, Heskey said of Page: “Can Louis Page make the step up to the Premier League? 100%. I have absolutely no doubts about it.
“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.
“Whether the club can hang on to them or not is another thing.
“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.
“I think sometimes, players can move a little bit too early and it can stunt their development.
In the right place
“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 all that matter
When asked if Martin is the man to steer Leicester City back into the Championship and potentially the Premier League, Heskey added: “The thing with Leicester is results will speak for themselves whether he’s the right man or not.
“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.”
Trophy hopes
Turning to the Football League Trophy, Heskey concluded: “You’re winning trophies, you go to Wembley – it means something.
“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.”
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