Phil Hay makes honest assessment of Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt
Phil Hay was impressed by what Joe Gelhardt did in the 3-2 Leeds United loss against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
With the score at 2-1, Marcelo Bielsa introduced the young striker with hopes that he could add a bit of energy to the Leeds side and nick a goal to restore parity in the contest.
He did exactly that after lashing onto a cross from Tyler Roberts and it would’ve been the goal that got them a point had it not been for Mateusz Klich’s late exploits.
The Athletic’s Hay, who was in attendance at Stamford Bridge, wrote on his personal Twitter account, “Joe Gelhardt. Someone must have switched the price tags.
“Come for the story of five goals in one game against Man Utd. Stay for the story of 10 goals in one game against Huddersfield.
“He really could be exceptional.”
What a cameo
It was the second this season that the youngster came off the bench to have a devastating impact for Leeds.
The first time was in October against Wolves where he won the Whites a penalty to secure a draw.
This time, he did one better, and found the back of the net himself with a well-timed run and a classy finish to top it up.
It was just what Bielsa called for and he will be delighted by what he saw from the 19-year-old.
With Patrick Bamford unlikely to be ready for the game against Manchester City on Tuesday night, Gelhardt may well be handed the start.
His quick movement can cause problems for the City defenders and Pep Guardiola’s always known to be wary of the threat a Bielsa side can pose.
Interesting battle coming up.
In other Leeds United news, Alan Shearer has slammed two Whites player on MOTD for what they did in loss v Chelsea