Sunday 29 October 2017 20:16, UK
Demarai Gray starred for Leicester in their 2-0 win over Everton on Nissan Super Sunday but Thierry Henry and Alan Pardew believe he must now show more consistency to take the next step in his development.
Gray helped set up Jamie Vardy's opener at the King Power before scoring the Foxes' second as new Leicester boss Claude Puel started his reign with a victory.
The England U21 winger has struggled to hold down a regular place at Leicester since his move from Birmingham City in January 2016 and his start on Sunday was just his second in the Premier League this season.
Pardew said: "When you pick one of the squad that has not been playing it is such a relief when he plays well.
"Gray was brilliant today, everything he did he was fast and agile, he was a joy to watch. As a manager I have seen him do this before. We all thought this kid could be something special and unfortunately he hasn't really shown the consistency.
"That was probably the message received by the manager. But maybe he thought, 'Am I going to get consistency by playing him?'
"He has put him out and Gray's work rate and ability was there today.
Pardew managed Wilfried Zaha during his time at Crystal Palace and the Sky Sports pundit added: "I used to say to Zaha, 'You set your own standards'.
"Gray has set his standards today and now he has to back it up."
Henry agreed with his fellow Sky Sports pundit, saying he also recognised Gray's potential during his time at Birmingham City.
"We were expecting Riyad Mahrez to run the show today - he made an assist so he had an impact - but it came after work by Gray," Henry said.
"It comes down to consistency. We all know he can be a player, I remember during his time at Birmingham City I thought he could be a player then.
"What I liked today was when it became difficult in the second half he was defending with his team, trying to help his team.
"When you provide a goal and then score a goal, it makes you better in the second half. You attack better, you control the ball better and you want the ball more.
"I liked the way he played today but is that it? Is it going to be one game or will he produce it more often? He has it in his locker."
Jamie Carragher, speaking on co-commentary during the match, added: "Gray has been spoken about a lot these last couple of years in terms of potential.
"He's never quite nailed down a position but he's made a great start under the new manager. He'll be thinking he could be a mainstay, especially if Mahrez becomes a No 10 behind Vardy."
