MOT View: Ian Harte is right to heap praise on vastly improved Leeds talent
Leeds United have been no strangers to the loan market during Marcelo Bielsa’s time at the club.
This season alone they have utilised temporary deals to bring in Ben White, Jean-Kevin Augustin, and Illan Meslier – amongst others – to fairly mixed results.
But one man who has managed to encompass both the good and the bad of what a loan signing can be during his time at Elland Road is Jack Harrison.
The 23-year-old cut a pretty underwhelming figure during the first year of his stint with the Whites, but has, for the most part, looked a lot brighter this time around.
And that’s the opinion of Leeds hero Ian Harte too.
Speaking to Football League World recently, he said: “I must be honest, I think he’s done a hell of a lot better this season.
“Last season he was very, very frustrating, he was hot and cold. He’s a player that has improved.”
But just how much has Harrison improved this season?
A lot, is the answer.
As per Whoscored, the wide man has been involved in twice as many goals in the Championship this campaign, scoring or assisting 12 compared to six last season.
He has also seen his average number of key passes sky rocket from one per match to 2.1 over the past 12 months, while his number of successful dribbles has shot up from 0.8 to 1.9.
Those are, quite frankly, transformative changes.
Perhaps most telling, however, is the fact that his average match rating has risen from 6.58 to 7.04.
Not only is Harrison creating more and keeping possession better, but that figure shows that his all-round contribution has improved immensely too.
His progress has been both noticeable and a joy to witness, and Harte has very right to give him such a ringing endorsement.
In other Leeds United news, MOT View: Journalist claim to not strengthen key area heavily dependant on Whites ace.