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How is Joe Gelahrdt’s season at Leeds United going? What issues does he face? Could a loan be beneficial?

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Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt is struggling to make a telling impact on this season under manager Jesse Marsch.

After the heroics during our survival bid last season, this campaign promised to be another exciting one for young striker Joe Gelhardt.

Having joined from Wigan back in 2020, he had to be patient for his chance in the first-team, making his debut a year later in the 21/22 season.

However, this term isn’t going as much to plan as many expected, after his huge contributions to Leeds’ safety last season at vital moments.

Here, we explore how Gelhardt’s season is currently going at Elland Road…

How is he playing?

Well, Gelhardt isn’t really playing that much, and that’s a concern.

Nine appearances in the Premier League this season might suggest he’s playing a lot, but only one of those was a start while he’s only managed 152 minutes altogether – an average of just under 17 minutes a game.

His late cameo against Fulham did yield his first goal involvement of the season as he slipped the ball through for Crysencio Summerville for an assist.

It’s a situation that is no doubt frustrating the youngster after an immense breakout season in such pressurised circumstances.

What issues has he got?

The chief issue for Gelhardt is that Marsch doesn’t seem to be able to find a fitting role for him in the side.

Playing as a lone striker with his back to goal is something that doesn’t play to Gelhardt’s strengths, and that’s clearly what the American wants from his striker.

He has two strikers in front of him in the pecking order in Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo, and the appearances he’s making give him very little chance to make a real impression.

Would a loan make sense?

A loan to the Championship is worth considering when looking at what is best for Gelhardt right now, given that he’d likely join a club at the top end of the league and would be more than capable of making a great impact.

The problem we face with looking at a loan is that we’re already thin when it comes to good striker options as Bamford fails to score each week and Rodrigo still looks something of a misfit despite six goals.

Loaning Gelhardt would leave us more short than we already are and that’s a big risk.

Quiz: Have the following 15 players played for both Leeds United and Bournemouth – Yes or no?

1 of 15

Has Luke Ayling played for both?

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.