Joe Gelhardt proving mettle in cagey Leeds United encounter v Middlesbrough
Leeds United man Joe Gelhardt has so far been the likeliest to have impressed Daniel Farke against Middlesbrough in his mission for minutes.
As of half-time at Elland Road, the forward has covered plenty of ground in a cagey, physical tussle with Boro, as he looks to persuade Farke in his bid to earn a Championship start.
Gelhardt has never been first-choice during his time at Elland Road but has made some impactful moments in a white shirt down the years, and his joint-highest number of appearances for one club in a single season was after a January loan move to Sunderland in 2023.
Gelhardt convincing Leeds United boss for minutes
During his time at Elland Road as well as whilst on loan at Sunderland, one thing Gelhardt has done is show his versatility across the attack, having been asked to play as a central striker, a second striker and a winger during his career so far.
Always a hard worker and a decent link player, he has had far more touches in the first half than Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford against Michael Carrick’s Boro, and has drawn fouls in tight areas.
The one brief lapse came with a poor clearance on the edge of his own area which found its way straight to Aidan Morris, though the visitors were unable to capitalise and eventually saw play stopped after Isaiah Jones was hauled down by Sam Byram.
Gelhardt is having to compete with some of the division’s most talented ever players in the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Georginio Rutter – and more so in the past Bamford – for minutes under Farke, who would clearly like to give him more opportunities and does rate the forward.
It will be interesting to see what could happen across the next 12 months for the 22-year-old former Wigan Athletic youngster, as he seeks a consistent campaign of football.
In other Leeds news, an alternative to Jonathan Rowe has been rumoured.
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