OGC Nice head coach Patrick Vieira has hailed Jack Harrison as being ‘something special’, amid a season the winger has often been criticised for his efforts by Leeds United’s supporters.
Speaking with The Athletic, former Arsenal midfielder Vieira was in no doubt that Harrison has the talent to be a success, and suggested the Manchester City-owned forward is not aware of how good he could be.
Vieira and Harrison enjoyed a two-year spell of their respective careers together while at New York City FC, when Harrison joined the French World Cup winner at the Yankee Stadium as Vieira set about his first taste of life as a manager.
Vieira had only been in charge of the Major League Soccer franchise for two weeks when Harrison arrived from Chicago Fire, and the current Nice chief has remained a fan of the Stoke-on-Trent-born forward since they went their separate ways in 2018.
Harrison’s career path saw the 22-year-old go in the opposite direction as Vieira’s, with the winger moving to Manchester City before joining Middlesbrough on loan.
A year at the Riverside Stadium preceded life at Elland Road, where the two-time England U21 international featured 42 times last season and on ten occasions in the current campaign across all competitions (TransferMarkt).
Just one goal and zero assists in those ten has seen Harrison come in for criticism from Leeds supporters, who were particularly frustrated by his crossing against Derby County before he was hauled from the action in the 58th minute.
Vieira, though, is confident that Harrison has what it takes to be a success.
“I saw from day one that he had something special,” the 1998 World Cup winner told The Athletic. “If you got the ball to his feet, something would happen. He learned very quickly, and I had a lot of respect for him.
“I don’t think he realises how good he is. Technically, he’s got a real gift. I saw it as soon as I watched him – it was all there.”
Leeds supporters have been right to be disgruntled by Harrison’s efforts so far this season, as the 22-year-old has struggled to provide Marcelo Bielsa with a clinical option in attack.
24% of his attempted short balls in the Championship this season have failed to find a teammate (WhoScored), while he has misplaced 30 attempted crosses to one successful effort in eight appearances.
Harrison’s 11 key passes have also come from short balls, with the former youth international yet to create a chance with a through ball or cross.
If Harrison has the potential to succeed as Vieira feels, it will be on Bielsa to nurture it over the coming months and find the key that unlocks the winger’s self-belief.
Leeds fans, would you start Harrison against Charlton Athletic on Saturday? Let us know in the comments below…
