Jack Harper "the Spanish-Scot"
Video edit by @ScottishEdits, follow or subscribe for more Scottish football videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t9tA_KphSE
Only four Scottish players have ever been known to play in the Spanish League. With the LaLiga holding so many of the most talented players in the world, it is admittedly difficult to imagine a Scot to be a success in such a formidable league. However, 18 year old attacking midfielder Jack Harper looks set to buck the typical Scottish football trend.
With the flair, imagination and creativity, at first glance Jack Harper looks like just another one of the long running prodigies that the successful Real Madrid Academy have produced, however, what is getting the Malaga born midfielder so much publicity is due to the fact he has Scottish parents.
After playing for the undoubtedly smaller Spanish club Los Boliches from the age of seven to 13, he was then offered a trial with Liga BBVA sides Selvilla and Almeria. Despite looking set to sign for Sevilla, Real Madrid swooped in at the last minute nicking Harper from the hands of the Andalusian's. Harper was initially offered a 12 month contract in August 2009.
Impressing in the various Bernabau youth sides, in early 2012, Harper was handed a lucrative five year contract with the Spanish giants, a deal reportedly worth just below £60,000 per week.
Having always lived in Spain, Harper's first time setting foot in Scotland happened to be when he was called up for the Scotland under 15's squad in 2010. So far with the national side, he has represented the under 15's, 17's and under 19's this year, looking impressive in all situations.
Still only 18 years old and with a lot of time to develop, Harper can be equally influential as a striker, in a wide position, or just off the striker. Blessed with pace, skill and explosive power in the box, the Spanish-Scot looks set to make an impact for both the Scottish National team as well as the Real Madrid first team. Even though Harper is scoring regularly and performing consistently well for the Real Madrid under 19's side, it may be a while until we see the attacker taking to the Bernabau for Liga BBVA and Champions League nights, however, without putting to much pressure on him, looks to be a future great for Scotland.
Player rating
Passing: 8/10
Shooting: 8.5/10
Heading: 8.5/10
Speed: 8.5/10
Stamina: 8/10
Footballing brain: 8/10
Skill: 8.5/10
Tackling: 7/10
Overall rating: 65/80
Article by Joseph James
Video edit by @ScottishEdits, follow or subscribe for more Scottish football videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t9tA_KphSE
Only four Scottish players have ever been known to play in the Spanish League. With the LaLiga holding so many of the most talented players in the world, it is admittedly difficult to imagine a Scot to be a success in such a formidable league. However, 18 year old attacking midfielder Jack Harper looks set to buck the typical Scottish football trend.
With the flair, imagination and creativity, at first glance Jack Harper looks like just another one of the long running prodigies that the successful Real Madrid Academy have produced, however, what is getting the Malaga born midfielder so much publicity is due to the fact he has Scottish parents.
After playing for the undoubtedly smaller Spanish club Los Boliches from the age of seven to 13, he was then offered a trial with Liga BBVA sides Selvilla and Almeria. Despite looking set to sign for Sevilla, Real Madrid swooped in at the last minute nicking Harper from the hands of the Andalusian's. Harper was initially offered a 12 month contract in August 2009.
Impressing in the various Bernabau youth sides, in early 2012, Harper was handed a lucrative five year contract with the Spanish giants, a deal reportedly worth just below £60,000 per week.
Having always lived in Spain, Harper's first time setting foot in Scotland happened to be when he was called up for the Scotland under 15's squad in 2010. So far with the national side, he has represented the under 15's, 17's and under 19's this year, looking impressive in all situations.
Still only 18 years old and with a lot of time to develop, Harper can be equally influential as a striker, in a wide position, or just off the striker. Blessed with pace, skill and explosive power in the box, the Spanish-Scot looks set to make an impact for both the Scottish National team as well as the Real Madrid first team. Even though Harper is scoring regularly and performing consistently well for the Real Madrid under 19's side, it may be a while until we see the attacker taking to the Bernabau for Liga BBVA and Champions League nights, however, without putting to much pressure on him, looks to be a future great for Scotland.
Player rating
Passing: 8/10
Shooting: 8.5/10
Heading: 8.5/10
Speed: 8.5/10
Stamina: 8/10
Footballing brain: 8/10
Skill: 8.5/10
Tackling: 7/10
Overall rating: 65/80
Article by Joseph James