‘Play him’: Leeds boss has been told to unleash £1m player at Etihad Stadium

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Marcelo Bielsa has been told to unleash 19-year-old Leeds United sensation Joe Gelhardt on Tuesday night.

The big games are coming thick and fast for Leeds, who lost 3-2 away at Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Next up for Bielsa’s outfit is a trip to the Premier League champions at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow.

Gelhardt climbed off the bench to score a late equalise for the Yorkshire club at Stamford Bridge, only for Jorginho to slot a last-gasp penalty to nick a win for Chelsea.

The former Wigan Athletic gem, a £1 million signing in the summer of 2020, only has one Premier League start under his belt.

But Lee Chapman, speaking to BBC West Yorkshire Sport, has urged Bielsa to play Gelhardt from the first XI at the Etihad Stadium.

He said: “They haven’t got anyone else on the bench and I don’t think anyone will be back for the next game who would make a difference. I would play him. He’s got the quality, you’ve seen that.”

Will Gelhardt make the lineup?

Well, the answer is…..very possibly.

The Leeds manager has zero concerns when it comes to fielding youngsters, no matter the occasion – providing that they’re ready and mature enough to handle whatever stage they’re being asked to perform on.

Gelhardt has just scored away at Chelsea, changed the game versus Wolves and impressed against Tottenham Hotspur in North London in November.

Despite still being a teenager, Gelhardt has ability and maturity beyond his years and therefore, it’s extremely possible that Bielsa trusts him against Manchester City.