Undervalued and underappreciated, Jack Harrison at Leeds United

In November 2020, Jack Harrison reached his 100^th appearance for Leeds United, in the midst of his third successive year at Elland Road.

Many players have reached a century of appearances for their club, be that for Leeds or elsewhere in the world. Jack Harrison holds the record, however, of being the first-ever player to reach 100 club appearances as a loanee.

Harrison’s circumstances are quite unique. Each summer since his arrival from Manchester City in 2018, it has seemed as though he would be bought permanently by Leeds. Instead, he continues to be tied down by further season-long loan deals. The plan works for Leeds, as it means they preserve a bit of spending money, whilst maintaining some financial security.

Of course, Harrison would hardly get a look in at his parent club, especially now. With weekly contention against the likes of Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez, Harrison would most likely fail to make the bench most games. With Leeds came the chance of consistent first-team football, an opportunity Harrison has utilised superbly.

DONE DEAL: Leeds United sign Manchester City winger Jack Harrison on a season-long loan. #lufc pic.twitter.com/ERi2nKFD0O

— Joe Urquhart (@JoeUrquhart_) July 30, 2018

Jack Harrison has progressed in a particularly noticeable fashion since his arrival at Elland Road. His pace and stamina were a consistent presence in his first season just as they are now. Throughout his time as a White, however, his understanding of the game has evidently improved, as has his general ability.

If rumours are to be believed, then it is the summer of 2021 that Jack Harrison’s status at Elland Road will finally become permanent. Phil Hay, on the appropriately titled ‘Phil Hay Show’, discussed that it was his understanding that Jack Harrison would become a Leeds United player for a fee of £11 million.

Harrison seems to divide opinions at Leeds United. Such polarisation was particularly rife in his first season at Leeds. Whilst it has certainly reduced in intensity, it is still something that has remained present throughout his entire tenure in West Yorkshire.

Jack Harrison’s first year at Leeds wasn’t anything particularly astounding. Four goals and three assists in 37 games was certainly nothing incredible. He had clear potential, but his lack of experience resulted in errors. These were erroneous decisions that often resulted in him conceding possession, an understandably frustrating trait to pick up.

Certain aspects of his game needed improvement, but such can be expected from a young player. Even still, fans saw glimpses of what could be in the then 22-year-old, as the former #1 pick in the 2016 MLS Superdraft adapted to life back in England.

Occasionally, Harrison would be unplayable. At times, some of the winger’s crosses were executed with the grace and technique of a player five years his senior. Such ability is perhaps best evidenced by his assist for Kemar Roofe’s goal in the opening play-off leg against Derby. Progressing into his second season, these rarities would become increasingly more common and from this, they would become more expected.

Jack Harrison was an ever-present figure in the promotion-winning Leeds United side. Playing in all 46 league games, Harrison recorded a tally of six goals and eight assists. Through stats, and simply watching him play, there was a noticeable improvement.

Harrison had a much better understanding of when to release the ball. His already impressive work rates, on both sides of the pitch, improved dramatically and he had sharpened an already somewhat keen eye for goal. Marcelo Bielsa had unlocked something in Jack Harrison, the reward for which was a noticeable improvement in form.

The potential of Jack Harrison was, certainly over his second season, becoming further realised with each passing game, thus was the extent of his ability. Upon his team’s promotion fans were, rightly so, desperately hoping that the former New York City winger would return to West Yorkshire.

Such hope was answered by the club, but not in the fashion of a permanent signing. Once more, Jack Harrison was loaned out to Leeds United. Once more, there was an option to purchase at the end of the loan.

A new division meant that Harrison, as well as the rest of the side, would have to perform at their best consistently. Thankfully for fans, the squad as a whole have upped their performances to match or better some of the more experienced and well-equipped teams in the league. Harrison is no different.

Offensively, Jack Harrison is as reliable as he was in his last Championship season, if not more so. At the conclusion of match-week 27 for Leeds, Harrison has six goals and four assists to his name. As a shooter compared to other wingers, Harrison is okay, his stats often around the average.

Jack Harrison has now been directly involved in 10 goals (6G, 4A) in 21 Premier League appearance for Leeds.

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He's now scored three goals in his last 4 matches. #LUFC pic.twitter.com/06D9bbzkdI

— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) February 8, 2021

With Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo and Raphinha as his main supporting options in the Leeds attack, Harrison doesn’t need to exceed the averages in his shooting. Of course, it would be great to see, but there is no overwhelming dependency on Harrison to lead the offensive line. Such a task has been marvellously shouldered by Bamford, who has been well supported by his wingers and midfield.

As a passer, Harrison is perhaps one of the more underrated in the Leeds side. Fans and neutrals alike easily recognise truly superb passers of the ball at Leeds, such as Kalvin Phillips. In truth, each member of the Leeds team has to be comfortable passing the ball around in order to fit the system. Jack Harrison however is a particularly impressive example, especially in creating chances.

Per 90, Harrison is averaging 3.45 crosses, 0.57 of which are into the penalty area. Each of these numbers sees him sit amongst the top 15% in Europe for his position. As well as this, Harrison ranks in the top 11% for passes into the penalty area, with an average of 2.05 per 90.

When you think about Jack Harrison’s attacking prowess in the last year, the mind mainly jumps to a few decent crosses. Well, that and the eye for an occasional screamer.

 

Looking deeper than that, however, really does serve to illustrate how impressive Harrison is going forward. The winger has no doubt been overshadowed by the wonders of Raphinha so far this season, but that isn’t to say he is having a poor season by any means.

Whilst Harrison is a reliable offensive option, it is his defence that makes him a particularly key aspect of the Leeds United team. Harrison is predominantly deployed as a left-winger, ahead of either Gjanni Alioski or Stuart Dallas in left-back.

It is important to understand that Leeds are lacking a genuine left-back. Dallas and Alioski can perform when needed, but Dallas thrives in central midfield and feels particularly wasted, given his ability, when played at wing-back. As for Alioski, questions have, understandably, been raised about whether or not he is good enough for the Premier League.

In steps Jack Harrison who, despite being a winger, has maintained a consistent defensive presence on the flank, in spite of his natural attacking mindset. Arguably, it is this that is equally the best and most underappreciated aspect of his game.

Harrison averages 2.05 tackles per 90. Of these tackles, 1.18 are tackles won and, perhaps more impressively, Harrison averages one tackle in the defensive third per 90. That number sees him amongst the top 5% for his position. To say that Harrison is an out and out winger, his defensive capabilities really do deserve more praise than they seem to receive.

He too averages 0.52 tackles per 90 in both the midfield and attacking third of the pitch, which both further serve to highlight his balanced style of play. Keeping with the theme of his side’s system, Harrison averages 19.14 pressures per 90, but once more, the distribution of said pressures are all over the pitch.

Of his pressures (again, per 90), 7.25 are in the attacking third, 6.6 are in the midfield third, and 5.29 are in the defensive third. As well as this, 5.94 of these pressures prove successful. Not only does Harrison have the aptitude to defend, but he also possesses the capabilities to do just that.

Jack Harrison, at Leeds, has often been the first to be criticised should he and the team have a bad performance. In turn, he also seems to be one of the last to receive praise, unless his form is so deserving of such that it is impossible to ignore.

A hard-working winger, whose game has evolved further with each season we have seen him, Jack Harrison not only just fits the Leeds system, but is integral to it. His two-way style of play is vital to Leeds keeping control of the left-wing, a control that is noticeably absent on the rare occasions Harrison misses a game.

As aforementioned, Leeds are likely to have the opportunity to sign Harrison in the summer. There are almost no doubts that they will exercise such an option. An £11 million transfer fee, should it be true, would be an absolute steal for the Whites. If Harrison should join for such a small amount of money, he would join the ever-extending register of bargain buys at Elland Road. To some, perhaps he would top that list.

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