Paul Merson Backs Harry Wilson as Smart Pick-Up for Leeds United
Paul Merson has backed Harry Wilson as a smart pick-up for Leeds United – but warned that the winger’s debut at Nottingham Forest showed how far this new-look side still has to go.
Daniel Farke’s team opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win at the City Ground, Anton Stach striking late to pinch all three points away from home. On paper, it’s the ideal launchpad. On the pitch, Merson saw a different story.
“Great result for Leeds but don’t get carried away, it wasn’t great,” he said, urging supporters to keep their excitement in check after a performance he felt was patchy despite the scoreline.
Wilson, signed on a free after his spell at Fulham, was under particular scrutiny. Merson likes the deal, especially for what the Wales international can offer from dead balls, but he didn’t dress up the debut.
“He did all right, he wasn’t great,” Merson said. “A couple of good balls in, he scored a goal that was offside. He did all right for his debut. First real game. I think he’s a good signing for them, anybody on a free is a good signing. Because I don’t see them opening up teams every week, and I think you need that set play.”
That line cuts to the heart of his wider concern. Leeds got the win, but Merson clearly doesn’t yet see a side that will routinely slice teams open in open play. Wilson’s delivery from corners and free-kicks, he believes, could become a vital weapon on days when the passing patterns misfire.
If Wilson’s display sat in the “steady” category, one debutant leapt out for all the right reasons.
Merson was hugely impressed with James Trafford, the young goalkeeper who arrived for big money from Manchester City and immediately banked a clean sheet on his first league outing for Leeds.
“I think Trafford, big fan of Trafford, thought he had that composure, he’s got confidence about him, comes out for balls at the right time, didn’t look panicky,” Merson said. “What a bonus for Leeds, you always need a good goalkeeper, he’ll save you points, made a couple of good saves today, just when the pressure was on he’d come out, collect the ball, no dramas. Just done what it said on the tin.”
No frills. No fuss. Just a young keeper playing like he belongs, in a position where Leeds have been crying out for reliability.
Farke, for his part, sounded delighted with all of his new faces after they helped grind out the win at Forest. As well as Trafford and Wilson, defender Tarik Muharemovic also made his bow and drew praise from the Leeds boss.
“I am very happy because they have big boots to fill,” Farke said. “Trafford is a good player but he hasn’t played that many Premier League games, Tarik too. So they both shined and showed why we agreed to sign them, but the whole group was excellent today.
“Wilson too was excellent. The vibe and mood is good around the place.”
So the verdict is split. The manager sees promise and positivity. Merson sees the same result, but a performance that still needs sharpening. Leeds have their win, their new goalkeeper already making a statement, and a set-piece specialist in Wilson who has room to grow into the shirt.
The question now is whether this opening-day grind becomes a platform for something slicker, or a warning that results like this won’t always fall their way.
