Leeds United

Leeds United: Pundit makes claim on young duo

|
Image for Leeds United: Pundit makes claim on young duo

Pundit Paul Robinson has claimed that Leeds can’t rely on Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt next season but the latter deserves more game time.

Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood have been implemented into the Leeds United first team this season, and this is largely down to the injury woes of Patrick Bamford, who has featured just nine times in the Premier League this campaign.

Gelhardt signed for Leeds in 2020 from Wigan and has made 15 appearances in the Premier League this season, but just three of those have been from the start. The 19-year-old is yet to start under new boss Jesse Marsch, as the American boss has opted to play Daniel James up top in Bamford’s absence.

With the lack of starts for Gelhardt this season, Paul Robinson highlighted to MOT Leeds News that he would have liked to see him given more minutes when Bamford has been injured.

“I don’t see why Marsch sees Greenwood as being ahead of Gelhardt. I really don’t.

“In the last couple of games, Greenwood has seemed to be ahead of Gelhardt in the pecking order as he’s the one who’s come off the bench first or gets the best opportunity.

“I think it’s great they’re both getting an opportunity but I think Leeds a more potent strikeforce next season. You can’t rely on those two youngsters.

“I’m surprised Gelhardt isn’t getting more games.

“I think when [Patrick] Bamford hasn’t played, Gelhardt should be getting more of a look in but the manager sees it fit to play Greenwood, who can close down from the front.

“But I’d like to see Gelhardt getting more game-time.”

TIF thoughts on Paul Robinson’s comments…

The injury list for Leeds has been never-ending, and key players such as Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips, and Patrick Bamford have been side-lined for lengthy periods with injury.

With the absence of Bamford and the poor form in the team, it may have been a good opportunity to play a young and hungry striker such as Gelhardt. Especially as he’s already shown he can influence games having scored twice and assisted three goals in the Premier League.

Share this article