Patrick Bamford drools over Leeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt
Patrick Bamford has showered heaps of praise on Leeds United young talent Joe Gelhardt.
The England international has suggested that the 19-year-old striker has settled in quickly in the senior team, and has impressed everyone in training.
The youngster is a mercurial talent, and Bamford has predicted that he will become a “top player” in the future.
“The majority of the young lads who have come in have settled in quickly and you can see that. Joffy [Joe Gelhardt] is a perfect example,” said Bamford, as quoted by The Yorkshire Evening Post.
“The way he has trained with us and kind of put himself about, he was accepted into the group straight away.
“You can see by his performances he’s going to be a top player and he has done himself proud since coming into the team.”
Special talent
There is something special about the 19-year-old.
He is fast, adventurous, skilful, exciting and a natural finisher. With every game he plays, he is maturing fast.
Gelhardt is still very raw, and he is far from the finished article.
In the absence of Patrick Bamford, the youngster has led the line on two occasions, while he made another four substitute appearances in the Premier League.
He scored his first goal in the 3-2 defeat against Chelsea. It was an instinctive finish, and he troubled the Blues defenders within that 10-minute cameo.
The youngster was outstanding against Tottenham Hotspur where he made his first start in the Premier League.
Against Arsenal, he looked unfazed. He is so confident and it’s hard not to think there’s a top player in the making.
With Patrick Bamford returning, Bielsa must use Gelhardt wisely. He can be a reliable back-up option for the rest of the season, allowing the Argentine to spend money elsewhere.
In other Leeds United news, a loan-to-buy deal is on the cards for the Whites to sign this player in January with a club ready to sell.