Joe Gelhardt thrown in deep end as Leeds United ace finds himself amid Sunderland discontent
Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt has been “thrown in at the deep end” at Sunderland, according to ChronicleLive journalist James Hunter.
The 20-year-old has struggled to impose himself at the Stadium of Light since his loan move from Leeds in January, registering just one goal and an assist in seven successive in the Championship.
And Hunter, speaking to LeedsLive [7 March], providing an update of Gelhardt’s progress revealed that there’s been discontent within the Black Cats fanbase with many expecting two strikers through the doors in January following an injury to key striker Ross Stewart.
He said: “Sunderland fans can see there’s no lack of effort on his part, but ultimately, like any striker, he will be judged on the goals he scores. The overwhelming feeling among supporters is the club should have brought in another striker as well as Gelhardt in January, particularly after Stewart was injured while the window was still open.
“Most of the grumbles have been directed towards that failing rather than towards Gelhardt. They can see he’s been thrown in at the deep end.”
Still developing
There was a raft of excitement from all parties when Gelhardt secured his loan move to Sunderland in January, considering the club’s youthful and vibrant atmosphere under manager Tony Mowbray and the willingness to help Gelhardt adapt with guaranteed game-time.
Yes, a striker is judged on goals but the Black Cats fans have to understand that the Elland Road academy star is still just 20-years-old. It was highly unlikely he would hit the ground running so soon, he’s a player still learning his trade and possessing raw attributes that need time to mature.
Maybe, the Black Cats should have indeed signed another striker in January to ease the pressure off Gelhardt.
The Black cats sit six points outside the Championship playoff spots right now, which will only ramp up the pressure on Gelhardt to deliver in front of goal, but considering his huge room for improvement, that expectation seems incredibly unfair.
There is a certain case to argue that the club made a mistake not further adding to their strikeforce in January.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.
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