Jack Harrison may be little known in England but that is all about to change.
The former Manchester United academy player will soon line up alongside Frank Lampard, David Villa and Andrea Pirlo after New York City FC went out of their way to sign the midfielder after he was named the No 1 pick in the MLS SuperDraft.
Harrison, who was born in Bolton, was initially selected by the Chicago Fire in the high-profile event but was later traded to NYCFC for the fourth pick and general allocation money.
"It's just a massive whirlwind. I'm really grateful for this opportunity," the 19-year-old college star said afterwards.
"Obviously, being coached by Patrick Vieira is an opportunity not many people can say they have. I'm really excited about this new step in my life, and I am looking forward to making the most out of it."
Harrison's rise to prominence in the US soccer scene is all the more remarkable considering he made the decision aged 14 to leave not only the United academy but his mother Deborah behind to attend the prestigious Berkshire School in Massachusetts.
Harrison excelled at Berkshire, leading to starring roles for Manhattan Soccer Club - which put him in NYCFC's sights - and Wake Forest University, leading to his No 1 pick at the draft.
While Harrison's draft pick and subsequent move to NYCFC made waves across the States, it also had a huge impact in his home town of Bolton and alma mater Turton High School.
Dan McElroy, Harrison's former PE teacher, told the Telegraph in an interview: "I nearly fell off my seat seeing Jack become first pick and thanking me on stage. I couldn't believe what was happening.
"To see him mention my name... I couldn't have been more proud. I'm so proud and so happy for him and his family.
"His mum texted last night and said, 'We're in a bar now with Patrick having a drink'. I was thinking, 'Patrick? Is this an Irish bar or something?' and then it dawned on me she meant Patrick Vieira!
"I don't think people in England get what being first pick in the draft means. It's unreal, it's unbelievable.
"Darwen in Lancashire is a down-and-out town and to come from that and go under the skyscrapers of Manhattan beggars belief. It's still hard to believe that this is the platform that he has now established."
McElroy played a key role in Harrison's move to the Berkshire School, at first liasing with Deborah over which American high school to attend and then sitting alongside him for a lengthy Skype interview with head coach John Moodey.
"Jack arrived at Turton in Year 11 and he had already been a part of Manchester United for a few years. I was the school liaison with Manchester United so would get termly reports on how he was doing. His were among the strongest, they were very happy with his progression," McElroy added.
"But towards the end of Year 8, his mother approached me with brochures for high schools in America and Berkshire was one of those. I think this decision was on a whim and she had talked to someone about scholarships.
"These schools cost a lot of money but with a soccer scholarship it would give him a great opportunity and a fantastic education. His mother was very focused on his education, she was aware that at academies it doesn't always work out.
"Not many parents can say goodbye to their kids at 13 or 14 and she was a single mum and they have a fantastic relationship and the success story is down to her selflessness and willingness to let him cross the Atlantic and explore the potential that he had."
He added: "No one has the bravery to make that leap. It's very difficult to step away from Manchester United, but to step away from his mum... I cannot stress the relationship that they have. It was such a selfless thing to do for a parent, to sacrifice her time with him to give him the best platform possible. And what a way to reward it."
McElroy believes Harrison can shine immediately for NYCFC and could possibly represent England one day, with the Football Association already taking note of his remarkable rise.
"MLS is getting stronger and stronger - it's a really demanding league and him to be chosen first and for New York City to make that trade shows you just how in demand he is," he added.
"Jack is very creative, he's very dynamic. Some people think there is a selfishness in his game but he is very forward thinking. His record in terms of goals and assists for Wake Forest and Berkshire speak for themselves.
"For New York to trade to get the first pick shows that they are probably looking at him to either start or feature very early. We didn't expect him to even start straight away for Wake Forest but he was their best player this year.
"I have a very good friend who works for the FA and I spoke to him about Jack not so long ago. He wasn't aware but he is now. And because of the Manchester City and Patrick Vieira link, he won't be a secret now. If he sets the world on fire now, there's nowhere to hide."
