Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has singled out Jack Harrison for praise and claims that the side could take a leaf out of his book in their hunt for promotion.

Jack Harrison is currently spending his third season in English football after making the move across the Atlantic from New York City FC to Manchester City in 2017.

After a largely disappointing spell at Middlesbrough, Harrison became one of Marcelo Bielsa’s first signings as Leeds manager.

He started slowly at Leeds as he looked to continue his acclimatisation to the Championship and ended his first season with just four goals and three assists in 39 league games. However, after a hectic pre-season training schedule for himself, he came into this season transformed and a year richer in terms of experience under Bielsa.

Having played in every single game this season, Harrison is a massive part to how Leeds United operate from game-to-game and his relentless energy with and without the ball is a major part of Bielsa’s high-intensity style.

Already in 28 league games, Harrison has beaten his goals and assists tally, with five goals and six assists already this season. He will certainly add to that as the season goes on, especially with the addition of some serious firepower in Jean-Kévin Augustin from RB Leipzig.

What is most impressive about Harrison’s efforts in a white shirt is the energy levels that he shows from the first whistle until the very last. Speaking to Football Insider, Noel Whelan commented on Harrison’s impact on Bielsa’s side, and how more players should take from his example on the pitch. He stated: “Jack looks settled and happier at the football club.

“He is one player where you can see leadership. When things aren’t going well he is the one trying to ignite the fire. It is great to see that he feels more relaxed so he can be that leader and get the players going. We need more like that.

“When you come to this stage of the season you need 11 leaders out there. People who are going to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and demand from their own teammates and that sort of character is what you need and what gets you the promotion.

“The people that are weak around you, will let you down.”

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The verdict

The term ‘leadership’ can take many forms, with Leeds having leaders such as Liam Cooper who can command the side and organise to remain focused.

However, Whelan is alluding to another kind in which the player’s efforts and willingness to work hard filters into their teammates, which is certainly the case for Harrison at Leeds.

The intensity that he demonstrates on the left-wing is something that sets an example to everyone on the pitch and is a huge part of how Leeds look to defeat their opponents.

When the going gets tough for Leeds in the back end of the season, they are going to need 11 players on the pitch giving 100% and Harrison is certainly one of those, especially after having the experience of missing out last season in the back end of the season.