Harry Wilson's Potential for Leeds United After Nottingham Forest Debut

Paul Merson has backed Harry Wilson as a smart piece of business for Leeds United – but warned no one should be getting carried away after the winger’s low-key debut at Nottingham Forest.

Daniel Farke’s side opened the season with exactly what every promoted or rebuilding club craves: an away win and a clean sheet. Anton Stach’s late strike at the City Ground sealed a 1-0 victory and a bright start to the campaign.

The display, though, didn’t convince everyone.

“Great result for Leeds but don’t get carried away, it wasn’t great,” Merson said, striking a note of caution after the final whistle.

Wilson’s quiet start, big potential

Wilson arrived at Elland Road on a free transfer after his spell at Fulham and brings a reputation for dead-ball quality and creativity in tight games. That, Merson believes, is exactly why he could become so valuable to Leeds this season.

On the day, though, the former Arsenal man felt the debut was more functional than thrilling.

“He did all right, he wasn’t great,” Merson said. “A couple of good balls in, he scored a goal that was offside. He did all right for his debut. First real game.

“I think he’s a good signing for them, anybody on a free is a good signing. Because I don’t see them opening up teams every week, and I think you need that set play.”

That’s the crux of it for Merson. Leeds may not slice teams open consistently in open play, so Wilson’s delivery from corners and free-kicks could become a crucial weapon as the season wears on, even if his first outing didn’t explode into life.

Trafford steals the spotlight

If Wilson’s afternoon was steady, James Trafford’s was something more.

The goalkeeper, signed for a significant fee from Manchester City in the summer, marked his competitive Leeds debut with a clean sheet and a performance that immediately caught Merson’s eye.

“I think Trafford, big fan of Trafford, thought he had that composure,” he said. “He’s got confidence about him, comes out for balls at the right time, didn’t look panicky.

“What a bonus for Leeds, you always need a good goalkeeper, he’ll save you points, made a couple of good saves today, just when the pressure was on he’d come out, collect the ball, no dramas. Just done what it said on the tin.”

Command of his box, calm decision-making, no fuss. On day one, Trafford looked every bit the long-term No. 1 Leeds have been searching for.

Farke delighted with debutants

Farke’s own verdict on his new faces was emphatic. Alongside Trafford and Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic also made his Leeds bow and drew praise from his manager.

“I am very happy because they have big boots to fill,” Farke said. “Trafford is a good player but he hasn’t played that many Premier League games, Tarik too. So they both shined and showed why we agreed to sign them, but the whole group was excellent today.

“Wilson too was excellent. The vibe and mood is good around the place.”

One game in, Leeds have three debutants bedded in, three points on the board and a manager who likes what he sees. Merson wants the fanbase to keep its feet on the ground, but if Trafford settles as quickly as this and Wilson’s set-pieces start deciding games, the mood around Elland Road may only get louder.