Harry Pickering (Left-back)

This slideshow's been a perfect fit so far, in terms of squad numbers, and the trend continues with number three on our list...Crewe left-back Harry Pickering.

Blooded in the first team in the 2016/17 campaign, Pickering has established himself as the Railwaymen's first choice left-back at the tender age of 21. 

Inkeeping with Crewe's possession-based, attacking philosophy, Pickering combines defensive diligence with penetrative passing ability and an eye for an assist. 

Potential meets experience

Three goals and five assists attest to Pickering's ability in the final third during the current campaign, while defensively he is ranked 8th and 6th respectively in League Two for tackles made (76) and crosses blocked (24) in 2019/20. 

Ranked in the top five most productive defenders in League Two over the past two seasons (with 3 goals and 10 assists to his name), Pickering is certainly one to watch - and his potential is matched by his experience: not many 21-year-olds have over 100 league games under their belt at this stage in their careers. 

We've saved the best for last, with regard to Pickering's stats in 2019/20, as he has played more key passes (89) than ANY top four tier defender this season - eat your heart out, Trent Alexander-Arnold!

Crewe Analytics' take on Pickering: 

The obvious comparison for Harry Pickering is Trent Alexander-Arnold in terms of playing style. He’s a great passer from deep with key passing and progressive passing numbers that are nearly off the charts, which provides great variation to Crewe’s typically short, intricate build-up. 'Pixie' also makes an impact in the final third, with overlapping left footed crosses for assists and the occasional long-range screamer.

There are certainly areas of his game that need to improve – defensively he is stout, but he can be targeted physically. Like Alexander-Arnold, he came through as a midfielder in the youth teams, and it occasionally shows up with the finer points of his positioning and tactical acumen at full back. With another year or two of development at the club, I could see him at Championship level or even higher.  

📈 Most accurate key passes in 2019/20 (DEFENDERS; top 4 tiers):

8⃣9⃣: 🔑@harrypickering_🔑
7⃣5⃣: Trent Alexander-Arnold
5⃣9⃣: Joe Jacobson
5⃣8⃣: Lucas Digne
5⃣3⃣: Ibou Touray#CreweAlex @crewealexfc #LFC #Chairboys #EFC #WeAreSalford pic.twitter.com/EHWARumYFs

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) May 21, 2020