Keown and Lineker blown away by Gelhardt’s performance in Leeds 1-1 v Wolves
Leeds United snatched a point in the closing stages of their clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on Saturday.
Rodrigo drew the Whites level from the spot in the 93rd minute after Hwang Hee-Chan had put the visitors ahead 10 minutes into the game, but it was Joe Gelhardt that got most of the plaudits.
The 19-year-old replaced Mateusz Klich in the 62nd minute and won the penalty Leeds scored from having made life difficult for the Wolves defence from the moment he came on.
BBC pundits Martin Keown and Gary Lineker were blown away by his performance, showering accolades on him on Match of the Day.
Lineker said: “I don’t know whether I’m getting older, but footballers are getting younger.
“19-year-old Joe Gelhardt made a real impression when he came on, didn’t he Martin?”
And the former Arsenal man replied: “Proper fresh air Gary when he came on. Running with the ball, it was a difficult afternoon for Leeds really, Wolves just sat back.
“Didn’t really have quite the quality. He completely changed the game.
“I think it’s sometimes that young players can do this in their performance. Look at this when he comes on. It’s a great save from the keeper. Wonderful hit from the young man. His movement. It was his willingness to run at the opponents.
“Absolutely first class. Look at this! Does that remind you of a Messi? Look at that. Wonderful.”
Jermaine Jenas was not having that comparison, though, asking Keown: “Messi?”
He replied: “It’s early days. It’s early days, but that’s what you’d be thinking about.”
Messi in the making?
No one compares to Lionel Messi, but the Leeds sensation made some runs and moves similar to those the young version of the Argentine maestro used to make back in the days.
A lot of Whites supporters have been crying out to see more of Gelhardt, and he did not disappoint on his Elland Road debut.
With Leeds looking to be closer to another defeat, throwing him into action was necessary, but the occasion did not faze him.
He played as though he was already used to doing something similar on the biggest stage, and he almost grabbed a goal with the last kick of the game.
The Yorkshire giants have a real gem on their hands, and he is coming of age with every senior team appearance he makes.
Gelhardt is highly rated and it is very clear to see why, and he is starting to look too good to continue playing for the under-23s.
In other Leeds United news, a talkSPORT host has blasted a Whites ace in an on-air rant, insisting he is not Premier League standard.