Leeds United

2 goals, 8 dribbles, 6 recoveries: Leeds United man proving Jesse Marsch wrong with recent snub

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Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt scored a brace to get off the mark for the season in a 5-3 win for Leeds United’s Under-21 side against Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy. 

The England youth international has struggled with injuries this season, in what has been a stop-start opening to the campaign. 

Since he joined the club in 2020, Gelhardt has been outstanding for Leeds’ youth sides, picking up 20 goals and six assists in just 29 games. Leading to more frequent appearances in the first-team.

Gelhardt has two goals and four assists so far for the full team, but with performances such as this, he is putting himself in contention for even more minutes under Jesse Marsch

His all-round performance will be exactly what the Leeds boss is looking for, showing he can perhaps lead the line in men’s football, and not just in development games. 

Gelhardt was industrious in possession, going on his trademark dribbles against the opposition, he attempted eight dribbles in the game, and also 2 progressive carries, as per Wyscout. He unsurprisingly won four fouls in the process. Something he has developed a key knack for in a white shirt. 

Should Gelhardt start at Crystal Palace?

Yes

Yes

No

No

His two goals came from four shots, three of which came on target, at an xG rate of 0.38. He was clinical on the night, and continued to look for goal on a regular basis. Perhaps his confidence is back up again?

He also created one shooting position: this is the area where both Leeds and Marsch will hope for more. If he can hold the ball up to bring his teammates into play, then he possibly can be the Bamford alternative Leeds need. 

The youngster’s passing was solid at a completion rate of 81% from 26 passes, but it was his off the ball work that set his performance apart, barely giving the Tranmere back line a moment’s peace, he recovered the ball for Leeds six times in their half of the pitch.

Leeds will be rubbing their hands if he can continue to be a nuisance but develop his game into that of a more all-round number-nine. On the evidence of this, the signs are there, perhaps he has proved a point to the Leeds boss ahead of a trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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In what year was Joe Gelhardt born?

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