Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has heaped praise on Jack Harrison following his display in the Whites’ slender FA Cup defeat to Arsenal on Monday night.
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Harrison provided a useful goal threat during a Leeds performance that ought to have seen the visitors trouble the scoreline, with Gunners ‘keeper Emiliano Martinez foiling the winger on multiple occasions.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was delighted with the on-loan Manchester City man’s performance and suggested he has proved to be one of Leeds’ most important players this season.
He said: “I thought Harrison on the right-hand side in the first half was excellent – real quality, real purpose to his game. I can’t criticise the kid this season because he’s come back with loads to prove and he’s shut everybody up.
“He’s proving to be a really important player for Leeds United this season. He’s really taken a lot of weight on his shoulders and he looks better for it, it looks like we’ve got a real player on our hands.”
Whelan’s positive summary of Harrison’s performance is of little surprise, with the 23-year-old the only player on the pitch to place each of his shots on target of those to register multiple attempts on goal.
That highlights his attacking threat despite playing on the opposite flank to his more common left-wing role.
Meanwhile, the fact that he has started every league game for the Whites this season shows how vital he is to Marcelo Bielsa’s plans as Leeds seek promotion to the top tier.
The only downside may be the possibility that parent club Manchester City are only too aware of what a talent he is following two years at Elland Road which have seen Harrison become a firm part of the squad in West Yorkshire.
Now that the Championship is the only competition left in Leeds’ diary for the remainder of the season, perhaps Harrison can, at the very least, spur his temporary side to promotion glory off the back of a spirited performance that has seen the likes of Whelan wax lyrical over a fine all-round display.
Leeds fans, who was your best player on Monday night? Let us know in the comments below!
