Leon Osman has told Wednesday night’s Match of the Day that Leeds United star Jack Harrison is showing parallels with Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa in stepping up and being the man his teammates look to – after scoring on Tuesday.
Harrison, 26, has seen his form dramatically improve since the arrival of Javi Gracia. In the Spaniard’s six Premier League games in charge, Harrison has three goals and two assists. He got his third goal against Forest on Tuesday.
He was first to react after Marc Roca’s shot had been parried by Keylor Navas. It saw Leeds equaliser after Oriel Mangala had given Forest the lead. Luis Sinisterra put Leeds 2-1 up, taking the Whites to a much safer 13th place.
Harrison has played on the left, on the right, as a 10 or even as a central midfielder against Arsenal. He has been excellent, especially given he had even started a medical at Leicester in January. A move he would have regretted.
Leicester are now firmly planted in the relegation zone while Leeds sit at the top of what is becoming a mini league, in the race to avoid relegation. Osman raved about Harrison in his analysis, when compared to Villa striker Watkins.
“There is [a parallel with Ollie Watkins]. His form has gone through the roof. With a new manager, you look around the squad of players, and you wonder who is going to raise the levels. This guy has become his real jack in the box.
“He’s stepped his game up. Pace, energy, acceleration, creating things. What I like best is, he’s so positive. His first thought is, what can I do to affect the game. He’s taking responsibility. He’s been absolutely fantastic,” Osman said.
Osman says Leeds star Harrison showing parallels with Watkins at Villa
With £33m Watkins becoming the main man in a Villa side that are on the verge of Europe, Harrison is the man taking Leeds away from the relegation zone. Goals, assists, constant work rate and above all, absolute confidence.
Willy Gnonto, Max Wober and Tyler Adams have all picked up injuries. But, of the players that remain fit, Harrison has taken the bull by the horns and has become our main man. Our main source of creating when magic is needed.
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