Jack Harrison places #3 on annual MLS “24 Under 24” list

Fresh off scoring the game-winner on the road in Montreal, New York City FC scion Jack Harrison has more to celebrate today: he’s checked in at #3 on Major League Soccer’s annual honor roll for young players.

It’s high praise for the former Manchester United Academy kid, who finished #2 behind Orlando City’s Cyle Larin last year. This time around, he follows only Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron in the top spot and runner-up Kellyn Acosta of FC Dallas.

Harrison is joined on the list by fellow NYCFC man Yangel Herrera, who ranks sixth, and Ronald Matarrita, who landed in sixteenth.

It ain’t too shabby for the 20 year old winger — and more recently, stand-in center forward — who now has ten goals in 31 league appearances on the year to go along with three assists, plus three more hockey assists besides.

You know what else isn’t shabby? Six of Harrison’s goals this year are game winners, tying him with MLS Golden Boot leader Diego Valeri for the best mark in the league.

With so much to offer in the danger area, it’s unconscionable that the sure-footed and fearless attacking man has never gotten a look from any of England’s youth national teams. But despite such repeated snubs, it’s hard to imagine that such an effervescent talent could be retained in Major League Soccer forever; his youth and athleticism would be more than simply suitable for the English Championship or, in due time, one of the Premier League’s humbler sides.

But for now, he doesn’t just own— he’s one of our own.

Let’s enjoy that for as long as we possibly can.

WHAT THE ANONYMOUS TECHNICAL STAFFERS ARE SAYING

• “he faces defenders up, he wants to go 1v1 against outside backs and we don’t see a ton of that in this league”
• “Can beat athletic, intelligent, experienced fullbacks”
• “When NYCFC has to defend for a stretch of 10-15 minutes, you lose his quality offensively and [opponents] can test his positional defending – blocking passing angles, pressing, recognizing that it’s a moment to defend. Has some work to do there”
• “Not scared to go endline and cross with his right, makes him difficult to defend”
• “For me he’s a huge talent and what makes him so dangerous is coming inside from the right onto his left foot”