Leeds United employee thrilled by Joe Gelhardt as pre-season footage emerges
Noel Whelan has cited the late Gary Speed after Joe Gelhardt’s powerful pre-season header for Leeds United against Brisbane Roar.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it is “exciting” to see the 20-year-old start this term with a bang after his breakthrough campaign last season.
Gelhardt doubled Leeds United’s advantage during their 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar on Thursday (14 July) – just minutes after providing the assist for Dan James’ opener.
The youngster notched two goals and four assists in 20 Premier League appearances for the Whites last term.
Whelan compared Gelhardt’s “deceptive” aerial ability to that of Speed – who scored 25 headers from a total of 113 career goals.
“Well, the Premier League saw glimpses of what he’s about last season,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He became so very important to Leeds United and the survival at the back end of the season.
“But when I saw the game against Brisbane, it’s just clear that he’s picked up where he left off.
“He’s full of confidence and belief in his ability. And he has got a great leap, I’ve seen that over the start of his career with us.
“He can hold the ball up and really challenge in those aerial duels. It’s a very deceptive jump, much like Gary Speed’s – and he’s got it in his locker.
“It was a clinical header, and it’s exciting to see him starting at this level in the first games of pre-season.”
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (16 July) that Leeds United are in advanced talks with Gelhardt over a new deal.
The youngster is set for a bumper pay rise just two years after joining the Whites from Wigan Athletic.
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