Jonathan Leko will thrive at West Brom with right support

The 19-year-old winger signed a new three-year contract last week and is hoping to break into the first team on a regular basis next season.

Harrison has charted Leko’s development since he arrived at the club aged 10, and believes the youngster is a risk-taker capable of producing moments of brilliance.

He’s urged fans to be patient with the teenager next season, but reckons an arm around the shoulder from Darren Moore could be the key that helps him realise his potential.

“Jonathan is somebody who a coach has to show faith and belief in and you’ll get the best out of him,” said Harrison. “He is without a doubt a talent.

“If he’s nurtured right and people support the fact you have a risk-taker in your team, Jonathan will create you something.

“He might give the ball away, but how many players do you see get 80 or 90 per cent in the possession stats but never really penetrate? Whereas Jonathan has without a doubt that ability and skill.

“When you study (Lionel) Messi, even now, Messi will give the ball away. He’s always done that. He’s obviously unbelievable, but it’s accepted.

“Somebody somewhere showed that faith in him. He’s an extreme example, but when you get players like that, if you put your arm around them and show them you really truly believe in them you’ll get the best out of them.”

Leko played 11 times on loan at Bristol City during the first half of last season, starting five times. His best performance came in a 4-1 win at home to Derby, when he picked up an assist.

“He played a game for Bristol against Derby, they all raved about him, he went viral,” said Harrison. “That’s Jonathan at his best, you’ll get another day when he might not be at his best, but that’s mavericks isn’t it.

“He’s one that will excite the fans, he might frustrate occasionally but he’ll excite.”

And Harrison also believes the youngster has the right mentality to go far under Moore, who already has a strong relationship with the winger.

“The other thing is that he really cares about his football,” said Albion’s academy chief. “It’s not often he says he’s played really well, people don’t see that or know that about him.

“Looking at all the young players I’ve watched over the last 13 years at West Brom, he is undoubtedly got that special ability that needs to be harnessed and supported.”