Marcelo Bielsa has admitted to Leeds Live that he simply cannot praise Jack Harrison’s performances this season.
Harrison not shining
Harrison has struggled to show the best of his ability at Leeds this term, with other forward players stealing the limelight.
With Daniel James arriving and Raphinha still sparkling, competition for places out wide has become tougher.
As yet Harrison hasn’t really responded to the challenge well, despite retaining his place in Leeds’ starting team.
The 24-year-old, who cost £15 million to sign (Manchester Evening News), has been named in Leeds’ line-up for six of their eight Premier League matches so far, but he is yet to register a single goal or assist.
And even Bielsa has suggested that Harrison has lost form of late.
“You ask me a question where you know that I can’t praise his performances up until now,” he said, when asked about Harrison’s performances this season at his press conference.
“But what’s happening to Harrison is happening to all our players in the squad where they have better or worse moments and nobody is able to maintain a regular consistency in their performances especially when they are playing in attack.
“Harrison is a player with a lot of resources to be able to play on both wings and we’ve enjoyed his contributions. Harrison will continue to shine or will shine again in proportion to the faculties that he has and it’s my job to put him in situations in the game where he’s able to shine and to make him as important as I feel that he is. Of course any question that invites public criticism for my players, I reject.”
Left out at the weekend?
Harrison’s only two goals of the season so far for Leeds came against Crewe in the FA Cup.
His talent remains undeniable, but if he is to continue to play an important role than his standards will surely have to improve.
Harrison was actually hooked off at half-time time in Leeds’ last game against Wolves for Tyler Roberts, and his starting place is surely under threat ahead of the weekend.
Bielsa’s men are set to take on Norwich City on Sunday, as they look to record what would be just their second league win of the campaign.
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