What Bielsa has said to Joe Gelhardt behind the scenes ahead of Leeds first-team debut
Marcelo Bielsa is honing Joe Gelhardt into a number nine ahead of his much-anticipated Leeds United debut.
Leeds fans have been calling for Gelhardt to get his senior debut after a hugely successful season for the Under-23s.
In an interview with Skrill it was said, “Behind the scenes, Bielsa has told the 18-year-old to work on certain parts of his game – with a view to giving him that much-anticipated debut.”
Gelhardt said: “I’m a player who likes to get on the ball, drop low, and try to dribble past a player.
“What the manager’s told me is I need to add more in-behind runs to my game – short, sharp, and more sprints.
“I’ve tried to take that on board as much as I can, and I’ve tried to implement it. He’s a great manager with young players so everything he says you’ve got to take it on board.”
Look out for Gelhardt next season
Gelhardt as an out-and-out number nine is an exciting prospect and if Leeds don’t sign a back-up for Patrick Bamford over the summer, we think it will be with an eye to moving the young striker up to the senior squad.
Gelhardt has scored 11 goals in 16 games this season for the Under-23s but he’s played in a deeper role at times, swapping the nine with Sam Greenwood.
However, Bielsa obviously thinks that Gelhardt is a natural striker and with his strength and skills on the ball, he could be an absolute superstar if he realises his potential.
Gelhardt has already tasted senior football with Wigan and Bielsa is obviously managing him carefully.
We doubt that he’ll get his debut on Sunday.
Patrick Bamford will start up top and with Pablo Hernandez leaving after this game, we think he’ll start in front of Rodrigo.
That will see Rodrigo come on for Bamford if things need shaking up. Gelhardt has been out with a knock for the past few games and might not even make the bench.
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