Leicester City teenager Jake Evans is poised to feature in Cheltenham Town’s squad for the first time this Saturday, as manager Steve Cotterill prepares his side for their League Two opening fixture against Rotherham United, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm at Whaddon Road.
At just 17 years old, Evans has already made his Premier League debut for Leicester and enjoyed a notable loan spell at Northampton Town last season, where he netted two goals in League One competition.
Josh Holland, Leicester Mercury’s dedicated Foxes reporter, has tracked Evans' development closely and sees the move to Cheltenham as an ideal chance for the young winger to gain valuable first-team experience.
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How is Jake Evans rated within Leicester City?
Jake Evans is highly regarded within Leicester City. He stood out as one of the most exciting talents in the Under-18 and Under-21 squads a couple of years ago, particularly for his goal-scoring prowess at youth level. His potential impressed former manager Ruud van Nistelrooy enough to grant him a senior Premier League debut.
However, last season under Marti Cifuentes, Evans found first-team opportunities limited, with Jordan Ayew preferred in his position. Josh Holland suggests this limited game time was unfortunate and did not fully reflect Evans' capabilities.
Evans' loan stint at Northampton was exactly what Leicester had hoped for, as he scored two goals in League One. Yet, in pre-season, adapting to the style demanded by Russell Martin proved challenging, and he did not perform to the expectations of many observers. Nevertheless, at only 17, there remains ample time for Evans to develop into a star at Leicester City.
Was a loan to League Two anticipated for this season?
Initially, at the beginning of pre-season, a move to League Two was not expected. This was before the season started and team selections were clearer. With Will Alves impressing in the right-wing position and the arrival of Wes Burns, competition for places intensified, making a loan move the best path forward for Evans. League Two offers the opportunity for more consistent playing time, which he found intermittent at Northampton.
How did Evans perform during pre-season?
In pre-season matches, Evans displayed mixed performances. Playing centre forward against Cadiz in Spain, he struggled with the physical demands of the role, as his strengths lie in running into space rather than holding the ball up. However, when switching to the right wing against Genoa, he was much more effective, showcasing his ability to beat defenders on several occasions and coming close to scoring.
What type of winger is Jake Evans?
Evans is a direct and skilful winger who prefers to cut inside. He is strong on his left foot and benefits from his experience playing as a striker within the academy, which gives him a good understanding of forward runs. Given his limited time on the pitch for Leicester’s senior team, forming a comprehensive view remains challenging.
How was his loan period at Northampton Town regarded?
The loan spell at Northampton was generally viewed as successful. Evans scored two goals, including a notable goal against Cardiff City, and earned multiple Player of the Match awards. The positive relationship between Leicester City and Northampton Town facilitated this loan, making it a sensible arrangement for his development.