European stars in MLS can be divided into a few groups.
You’ve got the veterans who still have something in the bank, like David Villa.
The second-tier talents who find their mojo across the Atlantic, like Bradley Wright-Phillips.
The rare true superstars, where it’s tough to work out how they were ever tempted to move to the states, like Sebastian Giovinco.
And, finally, the European academy talents who head Stateside after things didn’t quite work out in their home country.
Jack Harrison falls into the final camp, and he has made a real impression this season.
⚽️ @Harrison_Jack11 with a strong match #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/JOEayVLcGz
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) August 20, 2016
Stoke-born teenager Harrison started out in Manchester United’s academy, but was forced to do things the hard way when his family upped sticks for the United States.
Some might have been deterred after being forced to part ways with one of the best academies in the UK, but not Harrison.
He kept at it over in New England, to the point that he was selected first in this year’s MLS SuperDraft, where college students are snapped up by professional clubs ahead of each new season.
Still a few days shy of his 20th birthday, the winger has already made more than 20 appearances for New York City FC and claimed second place on the MLS ’24 under 24′ rankings of young players in the league.
Harrison has just four MLS goals to his name, but one of them – this stunning solo effort against Montreal Impact – is among the final two contenders for Goal of the Year.
Le but @Harrison_Jack11 vs Impact de Montréal ↩️↪️⚽pic.twitter.com/Uf3dWkmFNK #MLS #IMFC
— KAN FC ⚽ (@kanfootballclub) July 17, 2016
Collecting the ball on the right, the teenager turned Cameroon international Ambroise Oyongo inside out before providing a measured left-foot finish into the far corner.
And, strangely, the goal he’s up against comes from another player with a wand of a left foot, Colorado and Albania forward Shkelzen Gashi.
Gashi, who was one of the few MLS players to turn out for his country at Euro 2016, produced this unstoppable free-kick against Vancouver Whitecaps.
"Pick that one out." #Rapids96 https://t.co/tJMJp0Xqcx
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 25, 2016
Both players are already turning heads in the United States – how long before there’s a battle between England and America for Harrison’s international allegiance?
He’s already said he’d “think about” pushing for US citizenship and representing Jurgen Klinsmann’s team.
With Tottenham prospect Cameron Carter-Vickers already going down that route, the English FA might want to let the NYCFC talent know they’re still looking at him.
