Why League One defences find Portsmouth's Ellis Harrison 'very hard to handle'

At the peak of his powers, he’s an intimidating striking presence League One finds tough to handle.
Ellis Harrison has received high praise after netting twice in Pompey's last three league matches. Picture: Joe PeplerEllis Harrison has received high praise after netting twice in Pompey's last three league matches. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ellis Harrison has received high praise after netting twice in Pompey's last three league matches. Picture: Joe Pepler

Praise indeed from Joe Gallen, who is convinced Ellis Harrison’s selfless team play can continue to inspire the Blues’ attacking capabilities.

The 26-year-old has scored twice in his last three appearances after breaking back into Kenny Jackett’s first-team.

Yet it’s his all-round game where his true strength lies.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Harrison’s ability to retain possession and bring others into play, as well as his tireless running and excellent heading ability, have been evident since his arrival from Ipswich in the summer of 2019.

Now he has replaced John Marquis in Pompey’s side – and Gallen believes he serves as an excellent foil for Marcus Harness.

Pompey’s assistant manager told The News: ‘When Ellis is really on his game, for League One he is very hard to handle.

‘He’s a very aggressive player, he’s a very good foil for a goalscorer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Some centre-forwards just want to score and that’s fine. When Ellis goes onto the football pitch, although he’s a centre-forward, he’s actually a real team player.

‘He wants to score and it is part of it, but it wouldn't be at the top of his list. At the top would be holding the ball up and helping the team score.

‘Then if you have someone with him who is a very good finisher, like Marcus, that’s where the big man, little man combo works.

‘Ellis is a leader for us as well. Such a great personality, he never shuts up, is very popular and a very, very good team player.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘He’s aggressive, very good in the air and, when he takes off, has the power as well to stretch defences and run down the sides.

‘Take a look at Burton, he was too strong and too aggressive for them. With back to goal he did extremely well, getting some shots off too, while we scored two goals from corners when he won the first header.

‘He might not score the amount he wants, but the team scores more when he’s around.’

Pompey have paired Harrison with Harness in their last two League One fixtures, producing two victories.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It’s an unfamiliar role for Harness, who has largely played wide right since arriving from Burton in July 2019.

There have been spells as a number 10, most notably July’s play-off semi-final second leg at Oxford United, in which he scored during a 1-1 draw.

However, for the time being, he is being paired in attack with the hard-working Harrison, representing a new-look strikeforce.

According to Gallen, the early signs of their fledgling relationship have proven extremely encouraging.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: ‘Marcus will be the first to say that he needs a partner like Ellis.

‘It works because they are complete opposites in terms of how they play that forward role.

‘Ellis is very good at holding the ball up and winning headers, he is a very physical player, while Marcus is the opposite.

‘He’s sharp and can use both feet, more technical than Ellis. It does look like the total opposite.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story. The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news and transfer updates from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism on your behalf for our city.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.