Pundit hails ‘real shining light’ Gelhardt after ‘brilliant’ Leeds reveal
Noel Whelan has insisted there is “much more to come” from Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt this season.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 19-year-old was a “real shining light” for Marcelo Bielsa as his side fell 2-1 away at Tottenham.
Speaking after the game (as quoted by Leeds Live), Bielsa insisted that Gelhardt is already at the “level of his competition” and praised the youngster for “adapting to the rhythm” of the encounter.
The striker was the catalyst as Leeds United drove Tottenham back in the first half, completing five of seven dribble attempts – the most of anyone on the pitch (per SofaScore).
Whelan insisted Gelhardt “led the line really well” as the injury absence of talisman Patrick Bamford continues.
“He was brilliant in that first half,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“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.”
The youngster has been prolific at youth level, bagging six goals in eight games for Leeds United’s U23 this term.
Gelhardt burst onto the senior scene last month, winning a penalty to level against Wolves after coming on as a late substitute.
In other news, Leeds United saluted after Radrizzani secures ‘huge’ new deal.