Hailing from Stockport, England, Taylor Harwood-Bellis joined the Manchester City academy at an early age. His rapid progression through the youth ranks was testament to his innate talent . The City academy, renowned for its emphasis on technical proficiency and tactical understanding, provided the ideal environment for Harwood-Bellis to develop into the modern defender archetype he now is.

The young defender’s potential was evident early on, with his composure on the ball and ability to read the game standing out. His versatility, capable of playing in both central defense and defensive midfield, has added another dimension to his profile. Initial loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Burnley  exposed him to the rigors of senior football, accelerating his development into a well-rounded defender before his recent permanent move to Southampton.

Player Profile 

Technical Skills

Harwood-Bellis’ technical proficiency is a standout attribute. With a completion rate of 92.1% on 97 passes attempted least season, he demonstrates a composure and accuracy that is crucial in building attacks from the back.. With 2.82 expected assists (xA) and three assists to his name, it’s clear he’s a valuable contributor to his team’s attacking output.

His 85.5% overall passing accuracy, including a 95% completion rate in his own half, demonstrates his ability to build attacks from the back. While not prolific in terms of key passes (0.3 per game), his ability to find teammates with incisive passes highlights his intelligence and vision.

Harwood-Bellis’ technical abilities are a direct product of his Manchester City upbringing. His passing range is exceptional for a defender, whilst his ability to play progressive passes (4.89 per game) is a testament to his vision and understanding of the game.

Although his key pass numbers (0.08 assists) are modest, his ability to find teammates in advanced positions is evident in the eye test. The young Englishman has been a key tool for Russell Martin’s deep build patterns due to his temperament on the ball, but even more frequently so when the team pushes high, as his long range passes are used to beat opposition pressure and advance the play directly into the final third.

However, while his short passing is excellent, there’s room for improvement in his long-range passing accuracy. Additionally, his dribbling, though not a primary strength for a defender, could be developed further to enhance his ball-carrying ability and create additional passing options.

His long-range passes have been a tool for Southampton’s direct build-up sequences

His pass variety makes his distribution unpredictable, he’s capable of central & wide switches

Physical Attributes

Standing at a solid height, Harwood-Bellis combines physicality with mobility. His success rate of 60% in aerial duels, coupled with a 60% win rate in overall duels, underlines his strength and power. Although not overly imposing, he is effective in one-on-one situations, winning possession back for his team.

His ability to cover short spaces quickly is another asset to his game. Harwood Bellis is a dominant aerial presence, winning 2.01 aerial duels per game from last season. His strength is evident in his ability to hold off opponents and win possession in one-on-one battles. However, while his physicality is a strength, his speed and agility could be enhanced to excel at the highest level of the game.

Mental Attributes

Harwood-Bellis displays a maturity beyond his years in terms of decision-making. His 1.2 interceptions per game demonstrate his ability to read the game and anticipate danger. While two errors leading to shots highlight areas for improvement, his overall composure and ability to concentrate are commendable.

He’s also leader, both for the backline and for his teammates in general, a trait that is neccesary to be a key cog in his position, he has also captained the youth sides at City and England, exemplifying his leadership qualities.

Playing Style

Harwood-Bellis is a modern-day defender who will excel in possession-based teams. His ability to build play from the back, coupled with his defensive solidity, makes him a valuable asset. With two goals and three assists, he has shown a willingness to contribute to his team’s attacking output.

His 0.8 tackles per game indicate a player who is not afraid to put his body on the line to win the ball back. It is noteworthy that young Englishman excels in defending central spaces (CCB), preferring to be the last man in defense. He has great understanding of tackle timing and is often able to use his body expertly to make interceptions.

Harwood-Bellis demonstrates a strong understanding of defensive positioning. His 1.21 interceptions per game highlight his ability to read the game and anticipate danger. However, his two errors leading to shots indicate areas where his concentration can be improved. His 3.45 clearances per game demonstrate his ability to deal with crosses and long balls.

While his defensive instincts are sound, there’s room for improvement in his aggressiveness in winning tackles. Increasing his tackle success rate would enhance his overall defensive impact.

Photo: FBRef

Potential

Taylor Harwood-Bellis possesses the technical ability, physicality, and mental attributes to continue his development into a top-class defender. His performances in the Championship have showcased his potential, and with continued development, he could establish himself as a regular starter in the Premier League as Southampton have gained promotion.

However, to reach his full potential, he must continue to refine his long-range passing, improve his speed and agility, and increase his aggression in defensive duels. Given his age and the trajectory of his career, he has the potential to become a key figure for both club and country in the years to come, perhaps it will be unsurprising if he’s on the list of many clubs after his first season in the Premier League.

By: @free__flowing

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Catherine Ivill – AMA / Getty