Jack Harrison hails 'mutual understanding' with Marcelo Bielsa in Leeds United development

The Leeds United loanee has opened up on his development at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa.
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Jack Harrison believes a 'mutual understanding' with Marcelo Bielsa has been key to his development during his time with Leeds United.

The winger is set to make his 100th appearance for the Whites against Everton this weekend in the Premier League, becoming the first player to do so whilst not being fully contracted to the club.

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Harrison is in his third full campaign at Elland Road after joining the Leeds ranks in the summer of 2018 from Manchester City on an initial one-year loan deal.

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison in action against Arsenal. (Getty)Leeds United winger Jack Harrison in action against Arsenal. (Getty)
Leeds United winger Jack Harrison in action against Arsenal. (Getty)

Bielsa opted to bring the now 24-year-old back to West Yorkshire for a second and third term with an agreement in place for his permanent signature next summer.

Harrison is only behind Mateusz Klich on the list of players with most starts under the Argentine following his arrival, and has seen his own progression move from strength to strength since his first campaign in the Championship.

The former New York City wide man freely admitted to his initial struggles in England, but is now proving his worth in the top flight on a weekly basis.

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He sits alongside Liverpool's Mo Salah and Aston Villa's Jack Grealish in most chances created this term (21), behind only Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes (26) and City's Kevin de Bruyne (23).

Harrison also bagged his first ever Premier League goal on the opening day of the campaign against boyhood team Liverpool.

"Over time we have kind of built a mutual understanding," Harrison said of his head coach.

"I know what he wants from me and a player in my position. I'm able to do that on the pitch.

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"I think the first thing is running - running as much as he wants his wingers to do, not only attacking but defensively as well.

"I'm willing to do everything I can on the pitch, which is to help the team out in whatever way I can.

"After that then it comes to the tactics, technique and what I'm capable of doing.

"I think all of those things combined and after working together for quite a while now, we have built this understanding.

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"I'd like to think he feels the same way. I've just been so grateful to have had all the time on the pitch I have had.

"I know I have learnt a lot playing under him. Having a lot of game time has been key for my development."

Asked about his goal at Anfield in September, he said: "It was a very special moment.

"I've always said ever since being young and being a Liverpool supporter, I always wanted to score at Anfield. I wasn't expecting it to be against them.

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"I'm super happy with that moment. It was a brilliant ball from Kalvin and I was able to cut inside and finish it with my right foot, which is unheard of really!

"It was a special moment, I was really happy and I didn't know what to do afterwards."

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