Mens

'Top class' - Farke reveals insight into Harry Wilson's challenges and progress

The boss assesses summer signing's first few months at Elland Road.

Harry Wilson vs Chelsea Carabao Cup Sept 26 action shot

Harry Wilson's attitude has convinced Daniel Farke that Leeds United will see the best of the Welshman.

Wilson arrived in the summer as a free agent signing from Fulham after a career season in which he scored 10 Premier League goals and added seven assists. He missed just two league games last season, starting 34 times and cementing his place as one of the main men at Craven Cottage.

Thus far this season Wilson has had to be patient. Since starting the opening-day fixture against Nottingham Forest he has been among the substitutes, other than the Crystal Palace game he missed with a minor injury. The boss acknowledges that the new boy's early life at Leeds has brought different challenges to his stellar 2025/26 campaign.

"I think he had a bit of a difficult start but it's quite normal," said Farke. "He's a quality player of course but it's a fact he's in a new surrounding. He played five years in total I think for Fulham. He was always capable of scoring and being very creative, making magic with his left foot.

"It's fair to say he came into a new set-up, we play different to Fulham in the last years. They have played against the ball very often a four for two. He was very often on the right wing and could perhaps defend with less intensity than he would have to do in our set-up. He has more work in the pressing and against the ball. He's trying to adapt to this. It's not like we have to adapt to Harry's skill, it's the other way round. He has to adapt to our style so the team shines."

Given what he's seen in training at Thorp Arch, Farke believes Wilson has made strides in his attempt to meet the demands of a different system at Leeds.

"What he has done in pre-season, he's worked so hard on his fitness level, also worked so hard to adapt to this," he said. "He was then out three weeks with injuries, missed also a few games. For example, against Crystal Palace, I would have loved to have him available.

"But right now I think his intensity against the ball, his workload against the ball is on a on a way better level in comparison to how it was when he once he arrived. But on the flip side, when you have to work more against the ball, sometimes it means a little bit of energy and concentration and tidiness in possession is not there.

"But as soon as he adapts to the new necessities against the ball, I'm pretty sure then his quality will shine through rather sooner than later. I'm pretty sure that he has all chances for his offensive skills, his genius left foot, also his ability to score goals and to assist - he will bring this to the team. This is also what we desperately need, and and I'm very happy with this workload right now."

While searching for what the boss calls 'the missing piece' Wilson has impressed with his attitude, particularly coming off the back of such a headline-grabbing 2025/26 season.

"Top class [attitude]," said Farke. "Top team-mate. When you've been so much in the spotlight you can be a bit big time, a superstar. But from the first day it was the opposite, unbelievably humble. He came with the attitude he wanted to adapt and work. Sometimes natural arrogance helps but I love his attitude. This is why I'm so convinced that in the end he'll be a success.

"He's doing the right steps. He has this side before self mantra within him. When he was not so much in the spotlight or didn't get on the pitch he was always supportive, concentrated and professional in training. He invests a lot and he has all chances to grab his chances when they come in the near future."

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