Claude Puel explains Harvey Barnes’s return to Leicester City

Friday saw West Bromwich Albion loanee Harvey Barnes return to his parent club Leicester City. Why did manager Claude Puel bring the starlet back to the King Power Stadium:

Why was Harvey Barnes so successful at West Bromwich Albion in the Championship? Well, the answer has many factors: his vision to create, in fact he’s supplied more assists than any other Baggies player. The confidence to make something happen; the best forwards aren’t concerned with failure.

If a world-class athlete attempts a trick, pass or shot which doesn’t work out, they are so self-assured that it will work next time – making them innovators. Supreme natural ability sets the 21-year-old apart from others too. Leicester City have a returning squad member with an incredibly high potential of becoming a Premier League star.

Here is what Claude Puel says are the reasons for Barnes’s Foxes recall:

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"“He has been brought back for many reasons but the primary reason is because he can help us. He will be available for the game tomorrow.“I watched his games and I’m happy about his progress, he played very well. I would like to thank West Brom and their manager because he gave him good opportunities to play. He gave his best for West Brom.“I think it’s a good moment to come home and help his team-mates. He is a clinical player, he can push, he can make good penetration, and behind he can keep a good pressure and calm to finish his moves. I appreciate his qualities.“I was happy to see him at West Brom to take confidence and character in his game.“He’s a player who can start the moves and finish the moves. He wants to score and wants to give good service. He’s a complete player”(Via: Leicester Mercury)"

There hasn’t been as much excitement of a player being bought, loaned in or returning that we can remember in recent times as Barnes’s comeback.

Here are the Leicester City academy graduate’s statistics this campaign, per WhoScored:

"Harvey Barnes in the Championship this season:Shots — 88Clear-cut chances created — 10Successful dribbles — 45Times woodwork struck — 6Assists from open play — 6WhoScored rating — 7.24"

Will Barnes do it for Leicester City in the Premier League?

It’s highly likely. Barnes has the potential to be as significant an injection of wing mastery in the equivalent form as a quality signing. At the rate he’s been finding the net and supplying his Baggies teammates, he may have cost the same amount as James Maddison – the most expensive Championship-to-premiership export ever.

See lcfc.com for more details from the club itself on what could be another move towards securing 7th position, as best of the rest.