Harry Maguire is ready to play for a top-six Premier League side, admits new Leicester team-mate Jonny Evans

Evans played alongside Maguire for the first time on Saturday in a 2-0 victory over Wolves. And the ex-Manchester United man says Maguire could play for his former club

Steve Madeley
Sunday 19 August 2018 17:41 BST
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Jonny Evans says Harry Maguire, his Leicester City defensive partner, is ready to play for a top-six Premier League side.

Evans played alongside Maguire for the first time on Saturday in a 2-0 victory over Wolves.

And the ex-Manchester United man says Maguire could play for his former club, who enquired about the England centre-back in the summer after his impressive displays at the World Cup.

United eventually baulked at Leicester’s valuation of more than £65m but Evans is in no doubt that the former Hull City man could make the step up.

“I think he’s got the lot,” said Evans, who began his career at Old Trafford and joined Leicester from West Brom in the summer.

“Physically he’s got it and he’s good with the ball. His technique is fantastic and I think he proved that throughout the World Cup.

“He has great ability and he’s very composed. I’m looking forward to playing alongside him – if I get the nod. I’m certainly looking forward to see him playing more often.

“I think if he went to any top club he would fit in no problem. There’s no reason why he couldn’t play for Manchester United. He’s got the ability to do it.

“In the few days I’ve seen him since he’s been back, he’s obviously an outstanding player.

“It’s great that we’ve got players like that at the club so we can all push each other on.”

Evans finally left The Hawthorns ahead of the new season when Leicester triggered a £3m release clause in his contract following Albion’s relegation from the Premier League.

The move followed an unhappy final season at West Brom, during which he was involved in a late-night curfew breach on a training camp in Barcelona during which players allegedly stole a taxi.

There was much speculation surrounding Harry Maguire this summer
There was much speculation surrounding Harry Maguire this summer (Getty)

“Things happen throughout your career,” he said.

“Each time you’re always looking forward and I think I made the right decision because I’ve been so impressed with everything – the players and the ambition from within the club right down from the owner.”

Leicester won on Saturday despite an early onslaught from Wolves and a second-half red card for England striker Jamie Vardy.

Vardy was dismissed for a hefty challenge on Matt Doherty, the Wolves defender, who revealed the Leicester man sought him out to apologise after the game.

Jamie Vardy will now miss Leicester's next three matches
Jamie Vardy will now miss Leicester's next three matches (Getty)

Despite winning the ball, Vardy’s lunging tackle earned him a sending-off for use of excessive force and Leicester are unlikely to appeal.

“I’m fine,” said Doherty. “I’ve just got some stud marks.

“My leg wasn’t planted which was beneficial to me. I think if my leg was planted it would have been worse but a split-second before, I could see it coming, so I kind of rolled with it.

“He still caught me but I’m OK.

“To be fair he knocked and looked in the dressing room and asked if everything was alright. I said it was fine so there were no hard feelings.

“I’ve not seen it back but he said his apologies, so I’m fine with that.”

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