Vincent Harper, an English-born left wing-back, has earned a call-up to the Harambee Stars squad for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast. The 24-year-old has previously been involved with the national team but has yet to make his debut. His return to the squad under head coach Benni McCarthy has raised interest among Kenyan football fans.
Currently playing for Walsall FC in League One, Harper is known for his impressive speed and ability to stretch the opposition’s defense. A left-footed player, Harper’s game revolves around his pace, which he uses to both defend and attack with equal energy. In FIFA video games, his acceleration is rated around 88, and his sprint speed at 92, underscoring his agility on the pitch.
Harper’s ability to recover quickly in defensive situations has made him a reliable asset in one-on-one challenges. His aggressive defensive play is reflected in his solid tackling and recovery stats. In the 2024/25 season, Harper made 12 starts and 14 substitute appearances, contributing two goals and four assists in 1,220 minutes of action. These numbers highlight his capacity not only to defend but also to contribute to offensive play, offering support in attacks and adding depth to the left side.
Defensively, Harper excels in duels, interceptions, and recoveries, ranking in the 93rd percentile for defensive contributions among fullbacks. His most recent performances have seen him make significant contributions, including 15 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 12 recoveries in a single match, proving his active, aggressive style.
Harper’s call-up comes after Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma was ruled out with an Achilles injury, leaving Abud Omar as the only other natural left wing-back in the squad. This situation has made Harper’s inclusion all the more important for McCarthy, who has recently favored a back-three formation with wing-backs to stretch the play. Harper’s pace and defensive prowess make him a valuable option for the national team in these vital qualifiers.
Vincent Harper’s versatility and explosiveness make him an exciting addition to the Harambee Stars squad, offering both defensive solidity and attacking width for the upcoming fixtures.
