Scout Report – Harry Cochrane
Currently appearing as though they’re in freefall, Championship side Leeds United are still thinking not only of promotion this season but about their long-term future too, and are looking to add more talented younger players to their ranks.
The Yorkshire side look set to make a £500,000 bid for the 16-year-old Harry Cochrane, who, out of nowhere has become a regular in the Hearts first-team in recent weeks.
Let’s have a look at Harry Cochrane’s profile.
History
Cochrane was born in Glasgow but was picked up by Heart of Midlothian in Edinburgh when he was just 13 years old. The midfielder rose through the youth ranks at Tynecastle very quickly and in 2017, he began training with the first-team squad after being given shirt number 47.
Having signed his first pro contract in June, Cochrane went on to play in all of Hearts’ pre-season friendly games and even managed to score. His professional debut came at the end of September when he started in a 2-1 defeat to Dundee at Dens Park.
Style Of Play
Naturally, at this age, neither his club nor the player himself has got to the bottom of where all of his strengths and weaknesses are. He plays in central midfield and so far, he has been a bit of an all-rounder; his passing, movement, tackling and final ball all looking thoroughly competent.
The idea is that Leeds believe they can get to the bottom of him over the next couple of years, finding out his true strengths and making the very most of them to benefit massively.
Cochrane’s Future
Given his rise from a decent 13-year-old footballer to someone potentially worth £500,000 to Leeds United in the space of three years, it’s clear that Cochrane is moving fast.
Given the chance to play for a Championship club with a reputation for bringing good young players through before ending up in the English Premier League would be something he should probably latch right onto.
It would be no surprise to see him in the Premier League in a couple of years time given where he is already during this stage of his development, though I’m sure Leeds are well aware that they would need to bring him along at a sensible pace and not attempt to throw him into a tough league too early. Cochrane does seem like an exciting prospect and Leeds would do well to sign him and make the best use of him.