Jamie Carragher showers praise on Leeds sensation Joe Gelhardt
Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt has been promoted to the England under-21s following a fine start to 2021-22 for his club’s under-23s.
The 19-year-old joined the Whites from Wigan in the summer of 2020, helping the under-23s clinch Premier League 2 [Division 2] title and promotion to the Division 1.
Gelhardt has since made his first-team debut for Leeds, featuring in the League Cup victory against Fulham last month and scoring one of the spot-kicks.
He was initially selected for the under-20s but was called up to the under-21s as a replacement for PSV ace Noni Madueke.
Jamie Carragher is a fan of the Liverpool-born winger, taking to his personal Twitter account to react after Goal journalist Neil Jones revealed that Wigan could be set for a windfall following his call-up.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “Brilliant young player”
Top talent
Gelhardt is yet to make his Premier League debut for Leeds, but he is definitely getting closer.
He has bagged six goals in six games in Premier League 2 Division One so far, and will now look to impress when he links up with Lee Carsley’s side.
England under-21s will play European Championship qualifiers against Slovenia and Andorra this month, and the forward could be making his debut.
Marcelo Bielsa will surely be watching the youngster and taking notes of his performances, and Leeds surely have a future star on their hands.
Gelhardt is blowing everyone away with his performances for the Whites under-23s, and Carragher definitely knows quality when he sees one.
The Elland Road outfit have saved themselves millions going forward by recruiting some top potential for their youth teams over the last two summer transfer windows.
Leeds could be challenging for the top-six in a few years from now when their youngsters come of age, and other Premier League sides could learn from this strategy.
In other Leeds United news, Simon Jordan has suggested Whites player should be blocked from int’l duty by PL.