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View: Bielsa comments surely mean Gelhardt in line for Leeds debut
Marcelo Bielsa has heaped further praise on Leeds United starlet Joe Gelhardt, and Leeds fans should be getting very excited about the young forward’s surely imminent debut.
The 18-year old forward had caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs prior to his Leeds switch, with Goal reporting in 2019 that both Everton and Liverpool were keen.
The former Wigan Athletic academy product has yet to play for the Whites since joining the club last summer, although he has made the subs bench in the past two games.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Leeds Live) ahead of his side’s clash against Wolves on Friday evening, Bielsa hailed Gelhardt’s clinical ability, saying:
“He’s a player that always creates danger in a game. He’s a player who’s more linked with the finalising of chances rather than the creation of them.
“He has resources to beat an opponent and he has a final shot, a finish that is very good.”
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When Bielsa talks like this about a player, time on the pitch is never far off.
Despite Gelhardt’s age and lack of first-team experience there are a number of signs that demonstrate the young forward’s staggering potential – signs that should excite Leeds supporters.
Gelhardt was recently described as having been “blown away” by Leeds’ offer to sign him by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, which would indicate that The Whites are convinced of his ability.
Leeds Live also gushed over the forward earlier this week, ranking his performance for the club’s Under-18s an impressive 9/10, further suggesting that he is ready to make his mark on the senior side.
Having been compared to Wayne Rooney in the past too, you could forgive Leeds supporters for getting carried away over just how influential Gelhardt could prove to be.
Ultimately many supporters will be itching to see what Gelhardt can do in a Leeds United shirt and with so many people praising his natural talent, it’s clear to see why.
He might be in line for a start anytime soon, but with Bielsa’s praise ringing in our ears, we absolutely believe his debut off the bench is just round the corner.
In other Leeds United news, ‘He’s staying’, ‘OMG’, ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Many Leeds fans thrilled by new Bielsa comments