Presenter Conor McGilligan expressed his excitement after Leeds United youngsters Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, and Wilfried Gnonto were rested for the Under-21s.
Earlier this week, the Whites’ academy outfit were beaten 3-0 in the Papa John’s Trophy when they came up against League One side Bolton Wanderers.
However, the aforementioned trio were left out of that game completely, which suggests that they are all in line to be involved in some way when Leeds take on Leicester City in the Premier League later this week.
While reacting to this ‘great news’ on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan outlined his feelings on the situation, saying (09:59): “No Joffy [Gelhardt] or Greenwood for the 21s. Gnonto isn’t playing tonight. That’s great. That’s good news.
TIF thoughts on Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Wilfried Gnonto and Leeds…
Gelhardt has played seven times in the league for the Whites this season, but he has only managed a total of 131 minutes of game time in that period. He also started and scored twice for the U21s in the last round of the Papa John’s Trophy, so it is interesting that he wasn’t risked in that game (via Transfermarkt).
The 3-0 loss to Bolton certainly suggests the young trio were missed in the cup, and that makes a lot of sense seeing as Greenwood also played in the last round – picking up an assist in that 5-3 win over Tranmere Rovers – while Gnonto was involved in the game too.
The Italian teenager is yet to make his senior debut for Leeds, but having been rested earlier on in the week, this game could at last be the moment he’s been waiting for.
All in all, it’s shaping up to be an exciting time for the youngsters.
Will Joe Gelhardt be given a chance for Leeds under Jesse Marsch this season?
Yes
No
