'I nitpick at things' - Jack Harrison admits self-imposed pressure is toughest despite Leeds United spotlight

It has been a whirlwind two and a half seasons for Leeds United winger Jack Harrison.

The 24-year-old arrived at Elland Road with a nod of approval from head coach Marcelo Bielsa in 2018, looking to make his way in the English game.

As he looks towards the new year and what 2021 might bring, Harrison can reflect on a journey that has taken him to where some of the very best players in the world ply their trade.

Harrison opted for the American youth soccer system over Manchester United’s academy as a youngster, but swapped MLS outfit New York City for the Red Devils’ neighbours, Manchester City, three years ago next month.

A loan move to Leeds followed and, after a year of learning at the deep end, the winger left heartbroken like many of those with an association to LS11 at the conclusion of his first full term.

By his own admission Harrison had an up-and-down campaign, adjusting to relentless life in the Championship under Bielsa. Improvement was made on and off the pitch the following summer, returning to the Big Apple to press the reset button amongst friends and former coaches.

But he had suitably impressed United’s boss with his development so much so that Leeds secured his swift return across the Pennines on a temporary basis once again with his work incomplete.

Opinion was split over his move back, but Bielsa had stuck with him in the previous 12 months and another show of faith boosted confidence levels.

It is hard to pick out a single player in the Argentine’s squad who one would deem the most improved such has been the 65-year-old’s impact in West Yorkshire, but Harrison’s name would certainly be in the running.

From where he was, a young man yet to play a game of competitive football on these shores, to where he is now, strutting his stuff in the Premier League, has been quite a story.

Harrison freely concedes that his ride to the top isn’t complete yet, even if his name is written on a team sheet in the top flight every week.

Leeds United are 14 games into their first season in the Premier League for 16 years with players, staff and even supporters still making the required adjustments.

Two goals and four assists have followed for Harrison who is yet again on loan at Elland Road for a third term, having totalled more than 100 appearances for the club - a record for a player yet to sign permanently.

Each missed chance or failed cross brings increased scrutiny with the world’s eyes now watching the story unfold. There is though - as he says - no bigger critic of Harrison than the man himself.

“For me as a player I am always trying to push myself and be the best that I can be. When I’m not doing that I have to find out why I’m not,” he admitted to BBC Radio Leeds.

“I kind of had to reset myself after not having the best couple of performances.

“I was maybe feeling a bit heavy-legged in games. I was trying to make sure I was doing everything behind the scenes and off the pitch that fans don’t see to make sure I’m prepared to perform on the weekend.

“I do put a lot of pressure on myself and those that are closest to me know that I am my own biggest critic. I nitpick at things I can be better at even if I do it well.

"I’m always looking for ways to improve and I think a lot of people don’t realise it’s not just myself but a lot of the players. When people say certain things about bad performances there are a lot of things that go behind it.

“It’s part of the job to be okay with people saying that but, knowing what I have to do to get back on track and to perform the right way, is the most important thing.”

Bielsa stuck with Harrison when other managers may not have done, as dips in form came and went. Harrison is appreciative of the patience and loyalty shown by the Whites boss, speaking previously about wanting to repay the faith on display.

“With the way we work it can be quite relentless at times,” Harrison continued.

“As players, it can be challenging, although it is good for us; I think having it is having that perseverance and persistence to continue doing the right thing.

“Knowing that, ultimately, things aren’t always going to be down. If you’re doing the right things and you’re persevering with the same methodology that’s been working for us, then there is no reason why, if there is a small dip, then it shouldn’t come back up.”