Journalist Conor McGilligan has suggested that Leeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt still needs to improve his pace, athleticism and agility.
Over the weekend, the young forward delivered a stunning moment to keep his club’s hopes of avoiding Premier League relegation alive with an eye-catching assist in the 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, despite his evident talent, he has not always been a regular under Jesse Marsch, starting just once under the American so far.
Should Joe Gelhardt start in Leeds' last game?
Yes
No
While speaking about Gelhardt on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan insisted that the 20-year-old has ‘star quality’, but perhaps needs to develop a few more skills to fully prove himself.
He explained: “On a footballing level, yes, 100%, he should have started more.
“Maybe his pace isn’t there, maybe his athleticism isn’t there, maybe that agility isn’t there with Joe Gelhardt.
“But the thing that is there, is that individual quality. The thing that is there, is that star quality. The thing that is there, is the fact that this kid is a game-winner being watched by some of the top clubs in Europe.”
TIF thoughts on Joe Gelhardt and Leeds…
Interestingly, it now appears that Gelhardt is the fourth player to be watched as Raphinha has been linked with Barcelona, Kalvin Phillips with West Ham and Illan Meslier with Barcelona also.
As McGilligan alludes to, Gelhardt is a top talent already drawing some speculation about his future. According to a recent article by The Telegraph, rival clubs will certainly be keen to chase the player’s signature if the Whites end up being relegated.
With that in mind, perhaps Marsch will feel some regret having not played the youngster a little more often at Leeds since coming in. After all, despite playing just 661 minutes of Premier League football this term, the 20-year-old does have six goal contributions.
Still, if McGilligan’s claim is correct, the club’s American manager may not be willing to put his entire faith in Gelhardt until he improves certain attributes such as athleticism and agility.
In other news: ‘Body language is all off’ – Journalist ‘not a fan’ of what Leeds ace did