Southampton academy graduate Jake Hesketh comments on his future

Follow us on Google Discover

The Southampton midfielder made his debut for the Saints under Ronald Koeman and has been compared to Adam Lallana.

Southampton midfielder Jake Hesketh has spoken out about his future goals, detailing that he wants to play “at the highest level possible” and praising the Saints their academy setup, describing it as “very demanding” and high level (official Lincoln website).

The 23-year-old has been a Southampton player for 13 years now, having first entered the academy in 2006, but he has managed just four first-team appearances in that time (Transfermarkt), with the bulk of his senior game time coming on loan.

Last season, Hesketh impressed at League One side Burton Albion, helping them reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, but was controversially recalled in January and then sent to League Two MK Dons, which annoyed Brewers boss Nigel Clough (Derby Telegraph).

This term, the attacking midfielder is back in the third tier with Lincoln City, where he is eager to put his recent injury issues behind him and target a run in the Imps’ first-team, and he spoke to their media team to give an insight into how he is faring and what his future goals are.

“The standards are so high at Southampton and trying to break into a team that’s playing in the Premier League is always difficult for any young player,” Hesketh said, as quoted by the official Lincoln website. “It’s very demanding. With the other players there and the quality they have, it brings the level up and that’s what I’m aspiring to get to.

“Long-term, I want to play at the highest level possible. The aim is to get playing regularly in the Premier League. Everyone knows what it takes and what you have to sacrifice to succeed. I don’t think anyone has a problem with that as it’s definitely worth it.”

Hesketh – contracted to Southampton until 2021, according to Transfermarkt – was given his debut by Ronald Koeman, who said of the player: “He is used to playing between the lines, he’s fast, he’s left, right-footed and a player with a future. He’s doing well, he’s a talent. He’s improving.”

A Daily Mail scouting report from 2014, meanwhile, said: “He is a No 10 similar in style to former Saint Adam Lallana, with an ability to find a pass and run at defenders.”