Joe Gelhardt: ‘Brilliant’ Leeds youngster tipped to start against Aston Villa – Whelan
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa should hand “brilliant” youngster Joe Gelhardt a start against Aston Villa on Wednesday, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 19-year-old’s “killer instinct in front of goal” makes him the obvious striking choice.
As quoted by Leeds Live (8 February), Bielsa suggested Gelhardt remains behind fellow forwards Tyler Roberts, Rodrigo, and Dan James in the pecking order at Elland Road.
The ex-Wigan man has made just two starts for Leeds United this season despite the continued absence of Patrick Bamford.
Whelan claimed the 19-year-old is capable of “changing a game in the blink of an eye” through his “unpredictable” nature.
“Personally, I’d like to see Gelhardt up there,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Dan James’ best position is out wide, and Rodrigo is best in the number 10 role.
“Finishing has been a real issue for most players this season, not just our strikers. We’ve got to make sure the conversion rate is a lot higher from now on, and that’s the only way you can win games.
“I’d like to see Gelhardt given the opportunity. He’s one of these brilliant players who can play a big role and really excite the fans. He does things out of the blue, he’s very unpredictable and he can change a game in the blink of an eye.
“He’s so confident. If anyone’s got that killer instinct in front of goal out of the options available – I would say that it’s him more than anyone else and I think he’ll start.”
Gelhardt has netted once and registered three assists for the Whites in the Premier League this term.
Leeds United sit 15th in the top flight ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
In other news, pundit baffled by ‘bizarre’ Whites transfer decision after journalist reveal.