Emile Heskey believes JJ Gabriel's team have put Manchester United in an impossible position after the teenager requested to leave Old Trafford. The former Liverpool striker, however, admits he understands the 15-year-old's desire to play first-team football elsewhere.
Gabriel's exit request and training in Barcelona
Gabriel has been at the centre of a major debate following his request to depart United days before his impending senior debut. The teenager is currently training individually in Barcelona as he seeks first-team football, with the Spanish giants linked alongside Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Heskey told 10bet that he understands Gabriel's passion for regular appearances but conceded United are now in a tough spot.
Heskey's view on young players' impatience
He said: "I get it from the point of view of the parents. A lot of these talented boys are very impatient and they don't want to bide their time to try and dislodge someone. The reality is, you've got to dislodge someone—you've got to be better than someone to get a place in the team."
"Opportunities can present themselves. I got my breakthrough when a player was sick, but that was because I was the only other option, but then you've got to do well and take the opportunity. As a young player, especially these days, you push for a scenario and you want that pathway."
"For JJ Gabriel, he wants to play first-team football, which you've got to give to him if he feels that he's ready for that and he feels very confident in his ability. But you're at one of the biggest clubs in the world, so who are you going to dislodge, and are you better than them?"
"It's an almost impossible task for a 15-year-old to be playing first team football at a club in the Premier League. You've got to be better than the senior pros in the starting line up to play every week."
Odegaard comparison and advice for Gabriel
Heskey used Martin Odegaard as an example of a young star tipped for greatness at one club that ended up being the hero elsewhere. He explained: "It could be the same kind of thing as Martin Odegaard. When Odegaard joined Real Madrid at 16, every club wanted him. He ended up out on loan year after year and barely played for Real."
"There's not an obvious route to the first team, if he takes that route and goes to one of the big Spanish clubs. The silver-lining would be, you're playing first team, men's football, you're developing."
"You can only believe in your own ability to get yourself a first-team spot somewhere. If he chooses Real Madrid or Barcelona and if he believes in himself very highly, then you can't argue with the decision of the player and the family."
Heskey ended with encouraging Gabriel to find minutes wherever he can, claiming the teenager can't wait around for first-team appearances. He added: "These kids actually have to go out and play. But it's all about choosing the right club and the right time to go. You can't be hanging around waiting when you get to 18, 19, 20 because you're wasting your career."
