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Meet The Gifted English Teenager Ripping Up The MLS

Meet The Gifted English Teenager Ripping Up The MLS

Jack Harrison has recently received his first England U21 call-up...

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

He was once tipped for great things at a Premier League giant, but like many other young players in the grassroots system, Jack Harrison ventured onto American soil to realise his dream of playing professional football.

Harrison spent seven years at Manchester United between 2003 and 2010, preparing himself for the big stage, and although he didn't make it at Old Trafford, he soon made the move to Wake Forest, a college steeped in history.

They nurtured his undeniable talent perfectly.

Harrison entered the 2016 MLS SuperDraft as the youngest available player. Pace, skill and an eye for goal gave him the ultimate edge from other candidates and he was chosen as the #1 overall pick in the draft by Chicago Fire, eventually being traded to his current side - New York City FC.

England's Kyle Walker-Peters (left) and Jack Harrison during the training session at St George's Park, Burton.
England's Kyle Walker-Peters (left) and Jack Harrison during the training session at St George's Park, Burton.

England's Jack Harrison during the training session at St George's Park, Burton. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday October 4, 2017. See PA story SOCCER England U21....
England's Jack Harrison during the training session at St George's Park, Burton. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday October 4, 2017. See PA story SOCCER England U21....

Harrison has been called up the England U21 squad for the first time. Images: PA

Since making his professional debut on the 21st May 2016, the 19-year-old has starred alongside the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard in midfield.

He hasn't just made waves in his home town of Bolton, but his consistency has brought high praise from elsewhere.

In early September, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard held Harrison in the highest regard, and was quoted as saying that he has a 'huge career' ahead of him.

Lampard said via New York's YouTube channel:

"The one I'm going to really pick is very close to home and that's Jack Harrison.

"Young English boy in our team, came into the team midway through the season due to injury and completely changed things for us with brilliant pace, energy and skill on the wing for us.

"I think Jack's got a huge career in the game."

Harrison is quickly establishing himself as one of the best English talents in world football, never mind the MLS, but he is nowhere near a household name.

That will no doubt change in the coming years.

As the 19-year-old is closing in on the MLS Goal of the Year award after his superb individual effort against Montreal Impact in August, Harrison has been tipped to break into the England side by former PE teacher Dan McElroy.

McElroy told the Telegraph: "MLS is getting stronger and stronger - it's a really demanding league and him to be chosen first and for New York City to make that trade shows you just how in demand he is."

A gifted young talent that can go onto big things. In fact, the 20-year-old was given a surprise call-up to the England U21's last week, a decision that made him 'speechless.'

In fact, the 20-year-old, from Stoke-on-Trent, forked out over $1,500 to get to England U21 duty on time after missing his flight to the UK. He will feature in the Euro 2019 qualifiers against Scotland and Andorra, as he looks to build on his incredible start to life in New York.

Let's not ruin this one, England.

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Topics: England

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