Leeds United employee can’t believe Joe Gelhardt latest after team news reveal
Noel Whelan has insisted Joe Gelhardt has got “loads to offer” Leeds United this season despite suggestions of a potential loan exit.
The former Whites striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 20-year-old’s performances last season meant the likes of Rodrigo had to “up their game”.
Gelhardt, who made 22 senior Leeds United appearances last season, has featured in just 124 minutes of Premier League football in the new campaign.
He has even dropped down to the Under-21 side for game time, scoring a brace in Tuesday’s (4 October) EFL Trophy win over Tranmere Rovers.
BBC Leeds reporter Adam Pope has even suggested that Gelhardt could seek a loan exit from Elland Road in order to continue his development – with Wilfried Gnonto also providing competition for places.
Speaking before Sunday’s (9 October) clash with Crystal Palace and quoted by Leeds Live, manager Jesse Marsch hailed the forward’s “very dangerous” display against Tranmere and insisted he will be a “factor” against the Eagles.
Whelan insisted Gelhardt, who signed a new contract during the off-season, still has a big part to play this term.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Him coming in last season has upped other players’ games, like Rodrigo.
“They realise we’ve got a really good, young player on our hands after how he competed at the end of last season.
“I think there was no doubt that players had to raise their game, but that’s what competition does.
“He’s a very level-headed man and he’s still got loads to offer this season. He’ll get loads of game time, there’s no doubt.
“He goes about his business in the right way and that’s the most important thing for a squad player.
“He’ll make it count when he does get that opportunity.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Leeds United make move to sign Rangers sensation.