Jack Harrison may return to Leeds United, Everton commitment questioned
Jack Harrison could be set to return to Leeds United after his loan spell at Everton after Michael Ball questioned his commitment in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Harrison has made himself a mainstay in Sean Dyche’s team and is often one of the busier players on the pitch, but questions have been asked about his end product and now his commitment.
As soon as he joined Everton, questions emerged about where his long-term future may lie, and whether he would return to Elland Road, but after this criticism, who knows what will happen?
Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo [5 February], Ball shared: “If you’re pressing, keep pressing and don’t worry about what’s behind you. Harrison is always checking his shoulder, trying to find where the opposition are trying to pass to. That’s fine when everybody is set up but when it’s so erratic, you’ve got to fully commit.
“His work ethic is fantastic and he looks busy but he’s not effective enough and he’s wasting too much energy by being too deep and too passive.
“You need to be fully committed as there were far too many times when Harrison was getting picked off. He must have run 50 yards because there were lots of 10-yard sprints here and there to try and close down but you’ve got to have a bit of footballing intelligence.”
Could Harrison return to Elland Road?
Due to the nature of the loan deal, with no option to buy included, it was always a possibility that Harrison could return to Elland Road at the end of the season, although of course, Everton would be interested in a longer-term deal depending on his performance.
Given the financial situation at Everton, even if they do want to sign him come the end of his loan spell in the summer, they may not have the ability to do so while continuing to comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Paul Robinson spoke to MOT Leeds News after Harrison scored his first goal for Everton, and while he suggested the future would ultimately be left up to the player, he did say he did not doubt the winger’s ability to play in the Premier League.
Harrison has picked up three goals and three assists in 17 league appearances this season, after getting five goals and seven assists from 36 for Leeds last time out, so he is roughly on course to match last season’s total.
In other Leeds United news, Paul Robinson has claimed “vultures will come” for Archie Gray.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.