Pundit: Leeds have future star on their hands after what ‘I’ve seen’ from Gelhardt
Alan Hutton has insisted Leeds United have a star in the making in the shape of Joe Gelhardt.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, heralded the 19-year-old’s “no fear” approach after being thrown into the senior side.
Gelhardt caught the eye in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wolves as he won the penalty that saw Rodrigo equalise for Marcelo Bielsa’s men.
The 19-year-old also made a 37-minute cameo in Tuesday’s 2-0 League Cup defeat to Arsenal.
Despite coming on in the second half, Gelhardt still attempted (3) and make more successful dribbles (2) than any other Leeds player (WhoScored).
Hutton insisted the early signs point towards a “bright future” for the youngster.
However, he insisted he needs to keep his feet on the ground.
“I like what I’ve seen,” Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“How to describe him? No fear. I think it’s difficult to be that way as a youngster. It’s kind of sink or swim sometimes when you get thrown in.
“He looked to take it all in his stride. He looks a real talent and fans will love to see young players breaking through into the first team. It looks like he’s got a bright future.
“It’s about keeping his feet on the ground and continuing to do what he’s been doing, working hard.
“Obviously he’ll get opportunities because the manager trusted him. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have put him on.”
Gelhardt joined Leeds from Wigan Athletic last summer.
He has made a total of four first-team appearances, although is still yet to start for the Whites.
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