Marcelo Bielsa stance on Dan James could impact Joe Gelhardt Leeds United future
Phil Hay claims that Marcelo Bielsa is likely to double down on Dan James being the man to lead the line for Leeds United.
In Patrick Bamford’s absence, the Wales international has been tasked to play as the lone number nine on numerous occasions.
Gelhardt has impressed off the bench but Bielsa has not trusted him quite to that level where he can be his regular starter week in and week out.
In his Q&A on the Athletic on Wednesday, Hay wrote, “Bielsa sounded on Monday like he was more inclined to double down on James than change it up front. He’ll probably look at the West Ham (league game) and the first half against Newcastle and think that it worked in those periods.”
Despite performing well whenever handed the chance, Gelhardt may be feeling hard done by.
Should he not get game time despite James’ sub-par performances, he may be tempted to leave.
The 19-year-old is clearly a solid player who’s only going to get better the more he plays.
James does not seem to have improved since moving to Elland Road and all he offers to this team is his work-rate.
Gelhardt, who has been labelled “exciting” by Jamie Redknapp earlier this season on Sky Sports, may not want to play the waiting game for too long.
He’s someone who’s already won over the Elland Road faithful and the fans will be more patient with a teenager than they will with someone who’s not been at his best since joining.
Bielsa may have to give him more game time or risk losing a talented youngster for good.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay shares if Orta & Kinnear are set to leave post the 49ers takeover