Leeds United employee hails ‘incredible’ Joe Gelhardt claim after what he saw – ‘it was massive’
Noel Whelan has hailed Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood for their “massive” role as Leeds United secured their Premier League survival.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the experience of a relegation battle will do the pair “the world of good”.
Gelhardt and Greenwood, both 20, started the game as Leeds United beat Brentford 2-1 on Sunday (22 May) to consign Burnley to the Championship.
The victory was Greenwood’s first start in the Premier League, while Gelhardt was making his fifth start.
The pair’s inclusion was set amid a backdrop of a number of injuries and suspensions at Elland Road – with Patrick Bamford, Dan James, Crysensio Summerville, and Tyler Roberts all unable to take part.
Whelan backed Greenwood and Gelhardt to carry this momentum into the new season.
“It was a massive pair of performances,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It is one of their biggest accomplishments. Forget getting promoted to the Premier League, this was a much greater challenge.
“It was such an extremely difficult circumstance.
“These two young men, Gelhardt and Greenwood – this will do them the world of good. Being thrown in at the deep end like that – you can’t get experience and confidence like that any other way. They were incredible.
“They understood the pressure and handled themselves impeccably on the pitch during the run-in, and they’ve got their just rewards. I believe they can now play a real part next season.”
Gelhardt has made some valuable contributions during his breakthrough season – notching two goals and four assists.
Jesse Marsch won four of his 12 games since taking charge in February.
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