Joe Gelhardt must be unleashed by Jesse Marsch after major Leeds United reveal on Sunday
There’s no excuse now. Joe Gelhardt must get his chance to shine at Leeds United between now and the end of the season.
After news broke on Sunday night [27 March] to say that Patrick Bamford will miss at least six weeks with a ruptured plantar fascia in his foot, one player must have had a bittersweet feeling.
While none of us want Bamford, 28, to be injured, we all want to see more of star-in-the-making Gelhardt, who’s been an absolute hero for the Whites this season.
Gelhardt, 19, has made his first 13 Premier League appearances this season, scoring two goals and supplying three assists in the process.
He’s only started twice, so to have a direct hand in five goals is really impressive for the young Englishman.
However, his number of starts is low for a player who’s been making such a strong impact.
Marcelo Bielsa was quoted by Sky Sports on 27 November as calling Gelhardt a “human wrecking ball”.
The former Leeds manager also said that Gelhardt was a player who excited him, who was aggressive and can “do damage” to defences.
But Bielsa seemed scared to play the ex-Wigan starlet and instead opted to play the likes of Rodrigo, Daniel James, Jack Harrison and Tyler Roberts as a striker instead of him.
Why? You have what you claim to be a “wrecking ball” of a striker in your squad, yet you continually overlook him?
While Bielsa did give young players plenty of chances at Elland Road, he ultimately seemed too scared to put his ultimate faith in them and start them regularly.
Sure, there may have been a plan for Gelhardt’s development. But when clubs are hit with the injury issues Leeds have had this season, plans should have been torn up and redrawn.
Jesse Marsch has already experienced the impact Gelhardt can have as a substitute with the youngster scoring a last-minute winner against Norwich on 13 March.
Marsch has had the luxury that he’s been able to start Bamford in the last few games but due to the England international’s latest injury, he won’t be able to do that again for some time – potentially next season.
And that is why it’s time for Marsch to unleash Gelhardt properly.
Start him against Southampton. Start him against Watford. Start him against Crystal Palace.
We know that this young man can do a better job in a matter of minutes when playing as a striker than James, Rodrigo, Harrison and Roberts can do in 90.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites can finally get rid of this “stinking” 29-year-old with a free transfer likely in the summer.