In a recent interview with Football Insider, Noel Whelan was full of praise for Leeds United starlet Joe Gelhardt who has impressed despite not scoring against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. Whelan said,
“He was brilliant in that first half.
“There were some lovely little flicks, holding the ball up, bringing others into the game. He didn’t look out of place, he led that line really well and was always busy.
“He showed glimpses of what we already knew. He’s a fantastic little player, very young and there’s going to be much more to come from him this season.
“It was good to see him get that first start. I wondered what he would be like from the start – as opposed to seeing him chasing a game.
“He’s a real shining light for Leeds United – he’s shown excellent progress.”
Gelhardt’s Recent Rise At Elland Road
Gelhardt has caught the eye with his performances in the Premier League 2 after banging in six goals and securing one assist in seven matches for Leeds’ Under-23 side this season. He has even managed to break into Marcelo Bielsa’s starting XI during this campaign.
The Liverpool-born prospect has already made five senior appearances for the Yorkshire outfit, mainly because of an injury to Patrick Bamford. He has repaid his gaffer’s faith by securing one assist so far this season.
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Does Gelhardt Have A Bright Future At Leeds United?
Gelhardt is a quick and agile forward who can make a few promising runs in behind the opposition backline. He has got a knack for finishing off chances that fall in his path but is yet to open his goal-scoring account in Premier League football.
At the moment, Gelhardt has a good chance to become a mainstay in Bielsa’s starting XI if he can score some goals for the Whites over the next few weeks. With some tough matches coming up against Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Brentford in the Premier League, Gelhardt would need to be at the top of his game if Leeds United are to steer clear of the relegation zone going into the busy Christmas period in English football.
Gelhardt has the potential to become a top goal-scorer in the English top-flight. Now it would be up to Bielsa to unlock the best out of him so that he can have a bright future at Elland Road in the coming seasons.
