Bielsa delivers exciting two-word Joe Gelhardt verdict ahead of Leeds v Newcastle clash
Marcelo Bielsa has described Leeds United Under-23s striker Joe Gelhardt as “very dangerous” in his pre-Newcastle press conference.
Gelhardt signed for Leeds over the summer for a fee of around £1m after breaking through into the Wigan first-team.
He’s impressed us hugely in the Under-23s, with his physical presence up-front and in a deeper role behind another summer signing, Sam Greenwood.
Both players came up in the Newcastle press conference and Bielsa said that the two players, who have built up a solid partnership with the Under-23s, can each play in behind or in front of the other.
Talking about Greenwood (as quoted by Leeds Live) Bielsa said, “The position is as a centre forward. Normally he plays in conjunction with Gelhardt in the team.
“Gelhardt is a player that when he is close to the box is very dangerous and Greenwood is the player who has a lot of capacity to arrive into the free spaces.
“They can play either with Gelhardt in front with Greenwood behind or the other way round.”
The future looks bright
There are plenty of Leeds fans who would love to see Gelhardt get a shot in the first-team and they will be hoping this is a hint that he could be unleashed on Wednesday.
However, while we think Gelhardt will make the bench this season, we don’t expect to see him so soon.
This was the first public declaration from Bielsa about how he sees Gelhardt and the young attacker will be delighted to be described as “very dangerous”.
There are high hopes surrounding him.
The player has been compared to a young Wayne Rooney and caused a few waves when he signed for Leeds.
Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony said that Leeds had signed him for a fee well below his market value and called for a change in rules surrounding transfers from clubs in administration.
Gelhardt has scored four goals in nine Premier League 2 appearances but it’s his all-round play and strength that have impressed us.
If you still haven’t see what he can do, check out the video clip below of Gelhardt setting up a goal for Liam McCarron.
He wins the ball by brushing aside a Newcastle player before a cute give and go gives him the space to burst into the opposition penalty area.
We think he’s going to be a big star for Leeds and his first-team bow might come sooner rather than later.
In other Leeds United news: ‘Definitely going to play’ – Exclusive: Leeds fans set for exciting news after U23 fireworks – pundit