Sky Sports pundit confused by Jesse Marsch stance on Leeds United duo Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Paul Robinson is confused by Jesse Marsch’s decision to give Sam Greenwood better first-team opportunities than Leeds United wonderkid Joe Gelhardt.
Greenwood, 20, had played just once in the Premier League for Marcelo Bielsa this season but Marsch has subbed him into three of the last four Premier League matches.
Gelhardt, 19, is considered to be one of the best young strikers in the Premier League and has shown that by making a big impact off the bench in some of his appearances this season.
However, in the last five matches, Marsch has handed 121 minutes of Premier League action to Greenwood and just 48 minutes to Gelhardt.
Most recently, on Monday [25 April], Marsch substituted Greenwood into the game at Crystal Palace before Gelhardt.
That decision has baffled Robinson, who feels Greenwood is now ahead of Gelhardt in Marsch’s pecking order.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I don’t see why Marsch sees Greenwood as being ahead of Gelhardt. I really don’t.
“In the last couple of games, Greenwood has seemed to be ahead of Gelhardt in the pecking order as he’s the one who’s come off the bench first or gets the best opportunity.
“I think it’s great they’re both getting an opportunity but I think Leeds a more potent strikeforce next season. You can’t rely on those two youngsters.
“I’m surprised Gelhardt isn’t getting more games.
“I think when [Patrick] Bamford hasn’t played, Gelhardt should be getting more of a look in but the manager sees it fit to play Greenwood, who can close down from the front.
“But I’d like to see Gelhardt getting more game-time.”
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