A winger who made 176 appearances over two spells for Leicester City between 1997 and 2004, Guppy enjoyed a stellar career at Filbert Street that included winning the League Cup at the turn of the century.
Now working as a coach in the MLS, the ex-England wing-back watched on from afar as Barnes set the Premier League alight during the first half of the season, before an unfortunate injury stopped him in his tracks.
Barnes’ crucial goal contributions against the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, and technique on the ball, particularly impressed Guppy, who sees plenty more to come in the near future from the 23-year-old.
“I thought it was very exciting, he’s a very interesting player,” Guppy told LCFC.com. “He’s obviously got a lot of pace and what I like about him is that he can move the ball and manipulate the ball at pace while not slowing down too much.
“He’s comfortable doing it and that’s a real difference maker. Not everyone is in control of their own space when they’re running at the speed he does.
“Those players that run faster than everyone else, their technique has to be that much better else because they are moving quicker, and he’s got that technique where he can manoeuvre the ball at pace.
“If you see some of the goals, some of the chances he’s created last season, one of the highlights is regularly receiving the ball or dribbling with the ball at pace and he’s able to move past defenders with his quick feet. It’s a real talent.”
The England international found the net on nine occasions in the Premier League in 2020/21, despite missing the final three months of the season, while also contributing four assists.
His three UEFA Europa League strikes, meanwhile, helped City to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition, and although Barnes missed out on being on the pitch for the FA Cup triumph at Wembley, he was very much part of the journey, scoring against Stoke City in round three.
“At 23, he’s someone who is a vital part of the team," Guppy continued. “To contribute those sorts of goals, that’s the other thing, when you look over the season, he regularly hits the target.
“He obviously has an eye for a goal and a fabulous right foot. I remember him on loan at West Brom as a very hard-working player and he’s a two-way winger, he gets up and down, he does his shift for the team, he’s not a luxury player.
“In this day and age, that’s really important. When you think about the goals and the assists and the defensive capabilities that he shows, it makes him an even more valuable member of the team.”
One of several young talents to have come through the ranks at Leicester City and now play in the first team, alongside the likes of Luke Thomas and Hamza Choudhury, Barnes is a prime example of the culture instilled into players at the Club’s Academy.
Guppy believes his numbers will continue to improve in the coming years as he takes his game to the next level.
“That modern day winger that likes to play on the other side so he cuts in on the right wing, he does it very well,” the former Leicester man continued. "You have to get it up and over that first defender and it’s not always easy.
“Harvey Barnes is someone who is working at that art. He’s got an absolutely fabulous few years ahead of him and who knows how far he can take this.
“I imagine he will be pretty excited about the future and if he matches that with dedication and hard work, I think it will be a fantastic time for him and also for Leicester.
“For a football club, it’s always great when you can bring your own through without having to spend fortunes. It’s fantastic for Leicester to be able to have those players. Of course, it’s a real bonus and long may it continue.”