Anyone that still doubts Jack Harrison’s ability to step up to the Premier League probably hasn’t been playing close enough attention. The 23-year-old has, in his relatively short career so far, passed every hurdle, succeeded in every challenge and surpassed all expectations.
And his route to the top has not been typical. A promising youth player for both Liverpool and Manchester United, he made the decision to move to the US at the age of 14, later emerging as a talent with Manhattan SC before joining New York City FC in 2016.
From there, Harrison was signed by Manchester City in 2018, a move that suggested he might soon grace the Premier League. But there was no way into the first team setup under Pep Guardiola.
Instead, Harrison was sent to Middlesbrough, and then Leeds, on loan. And he was a valuable part of the Whites squad that surged to the Championship title last season, scoring six goals and providing nine assists.
There were, though, occasional question marks over his consistency. But they have, by now, been answered, and emphatically. He took some time to adapt to Leeds system in his first season under Marcelo Bielsa, and in his second year improved significantly.
And it looks very much like he could get even better this season. Harrison was a standout performer as Leeds very nearly earned a point from their opening day trip to Anfield.
The England Under-21 international scored his side’s first goal, bringing down a superb pass from Kalvin Phillips, cutting inside from the left and drilling a low shot past Alisson at the near post.
It was a superbly taken goal and an indication of why City deemed him worth signing from New York City two years ago.
Guardiola’s loss is Bielsa’s gain. City, perhaps, will end up feeling they gave up on Harrison too soon, certainly if he maintains this level of performance throughout the season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was given a torrid time by the Leeds winger, who repeatedly drove forward down the left flank and supported Patrick Bamford and Helder Costa in attack.
A performance of this quality won’t surprise Leeds fans who have watched Harrison closely over the last couple of seasons.
Most are aware, by now, of what he is capable of. But there was always a caveat: he had not yet done it in the top flight.
That is the reality for any player yet to make the step up. There is always a lingering doubt, however well they have played in other leagues, over their ability to mix it with the country’s elite.
Harrison has already proved himself more than capable of being a key man for Leeds this season.
After Saturday’s display, he will be rubbing his hands with glee at the prospect of facing a significantly less daunting Fulham back four next weekend.
If Harrison can cause this many problems against the best defensive unit in the Premier League, the rest of the division should be worried.
