Everton winger Jack Harrison took advice from Frank Lampard about the importance of having an on-field ego and believes he is reaping the benefits.
The rookie professional had to pluck up the courage to knock on the experienced England international’s hotel room door when they were team-mates at New York City.
He asked about confidence and Lampard, who was sacked as Everton manager six months before Harrison arrived, spoke to him about ego and self-belief.
It is advice he has carried with him since moving back to England with Leeds and now on loan at Goodison Park.
His confidence was boosted further by his maiden Everton goal – a brilliant instinctive lob over Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto – in only his third appearance in which the wise words of Lampard probably played some part.
“I remember going to Frank’s room one time, knocking on his door asking for advice on certain mentality, how to be. I sat in his room and just chatted for half-an-hour,” said Harrison, who gained more valuable information after four seasons with Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road.
“I think having that ego and confidence on the pitch was something that maybe challenged me a little bit. It was difficult for me to bring out.
“But after talking to Frank (he said) it was something he applied to himself. When you step out on that pitch he used to tell himself he was the best player.
“It doesn’t have to be in a nasty way or anything but it’s definitely important to have.
“I was watching an interview Zlatan Ibrahimovic did where he said he felt like God when he was on the pitch. Maybe I’m not at that level but it’s nice to hear similar stories.
“When you are lining up against Mo Salah you have to do your best against them. That mentality, feeling like you belong, is a big part of it.”
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Harrison’s two seasons in New York playing alongside Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Silva and managed by Patrick Vieira were formative but after being brought home by Manchester City his real development came at Leeds.
Bielsa’s methods were so intense the 26-year-old still has ‘flashbacks’.
“It was beyond anything I’d seen before,” said Harrison ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
“Because everything was so regimented and we were working so hard the three years almost flew by. I don’t think in all of that time I took a step back to really enjoy playing with him.
“Looking back now, I just wish I enjoyed it a little bit more in the moment but I’m super grateful.
“It has made me the player I am today working with him, building those foundations when I first came back to England.
“I know what the standard is. If I’m ever struggling or lose sight of where I need to be, I can always go back to that time.
