England boasts well constructed citadel of academies and that makes it a talent producing pipeline off late, and don’t get me wrong – it’s a difficult ask to stand out among such talents but there are some that have managed to do so, and there are quite a few who managed it with a cheery on the topping… the latter are termed as wonderkids in layman’s term. Harry Amass is one of those kids who has made his name for himself in that latter category.
The 16-year-old Watford’s youth academy product has recently signed a four year contract with Manchester United after garnering plethora of interest from clubs all around Europe.
Manchester United have and age-old tradition to steal young talent to furnish them for their future and they did the same with Harry. Well, so what makes this guy soo special that everyone from around Europe were laying red carpets for his signatures? Let’s find out!!
Who is Harry Amass?
Regarded as England’s brightest prospect, Harry Amass is a defender, naturally a left-back. Amass joined Vicarge Road at the age of 9 and has already featured for the U18s, U21s of Watford Football Club. Also, he was used as an unused substitute for the senior team this season in their FA Cup game against Reading in January earlier this year.
The youngster was in the radar of big European clubs for a long time but caught the eyes of one and all constructively after his stupendous display of football in the FA Cup Youth game against Arsenal and Everton this season.
Currently a part of England U-16 setup, he recently won UEFA Development tournament this year playing for three lions youth team. A regular in youth international, Amass made his debut two years back in December 2021 and has been a regular since then.
Style of Play
Harry Amass has been likened to be a Andrew Robertson-esque defender. The left footed full-back possesses a lot of similar attributes to that of the Scottish international. Like Robertson, Amass favours the adventurous style of football; not shy of moving forward with zeal through the flanks.
The youngster is strong in tenacity and stability. One of the most technologically gifted left-back of his generation , he is brilliant in tackling the balls from opposition and winning back possession. His attacking acumen however does not compromise for his prowess in the defence. He is equally adept in both fronts.
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Not your traditional full-back though, a lot of times Amass can be seen going up the pitch into the opposition’s half to create chances which will make one that he plays as a left-sided defensive midfielder whilst that is not the case. He can also be found immediately running back to steal the ball if his team loses possession during the build up.
He has the brains to find gaps and definitely the legs to dribble through those gaps. His intent from the whistle is to attack and find ways to create chances for his forwards. An omnipresent individual on the pitch, his movements off the ball are one to admire and a testimony of greater things to come.
Still only 16, there are places to improve. One such gap in his game is his ability to win aerial duels. Rather only one weakness of that sort which can also be blamed as a victim of his young age. His control over the ball is second to none and so is his dribbling abilities.
His future at Manchester United
Currently Manchester United have a reliable and dependable left-back in Luke Shaw with a complete understudy in Malacia. However, this season in the later stages we saw Luke coming in as a central defender and Malacia playing as a left-back.
This does not necessarily mean that Amass will slot into the senior team directly this season. A lot to prove still to the United family, he will start his career with the club U18s amidst a plethora of talented players like Biancheri and Joseph Wheatley.
Whether Amass straightaway slots into the U18s or not, it promises to be a value bet notwithstanding, what his time at United academy will be. What’s almost certain is now he will be in the news – this way or that. He would be happy to play his natural game to counter the enforcers.
He’s absolutely brilliant in all departments and so happy to see him at Manchester United.
He will learn more and develop into a formidable opponent and team mate.
He’s only 16 so strong fast, skill, determination, will, stamina, great going forward with the ball creating good attacks, crosses, passing short long and through gaps, going past players 1v1 and more.
Great team player and individual player.
Manchester United will make him very very special and he loves a challenge which will be impressing the whole of Manchester United.
I’ve watched him play from 6 years of age and you could see even then he was gifted..
Good luck Harry Amass your gonna love it at United.