David James tips Joe Gelhardt to quit Leeds United if Marcelo Bielsa’s side are relegated as the teenager is a Premier League level striker, speaking on Sky Sports News (22/02, 10:39).
Gelhardt has left the former England goalkeeper in awe with his efforts at Elland Road so far this season. Bielsa handed the 19-year-old his top-flight debut in October and has since awarded him eight further outings. The forward has also only started just two appearances.
Yet James feels Gelhardt has the skill to change games after scoring one goal and offering two assists. He fired his maiden Premier League strike at Chelsea to pull the Whites level in December before losing 3-2. The youngster also created once against Arsenal and Burnley.
Bielsa seemingly agrees with James’ claim of Gelhardt having the skill to change scripts for Leeds. The Argentine introduced the former Wigan Athletic talent off the bench at half-time against Manchester United on Sunday down 2-0 before a spirited, yet brief, comeback.
Gelhardt did not score or assist to pull Leeds level against their Old Trafford rivals. Yet the striker who cost just £1m constantly called for the ball and struck a host of shots on goal.
Relegation could bring Gelhardt’s Leeds future into doubt, James claims
Manchester United’s victory on Sunday has left Leeds 15th in the Premier League table and five-points from the relegation zone. They also have the division’s second-worst defence to Norwich City, having conceded 50 goals in 24 games to the Canaries’ 53 in 25 so far.
So, James believes the chances of a relegation fight are still high for Leeds and may also put Gelhardt’s future in doubt. The forward is under contract at Elland Road until 2024 on the deal agreed after leaving Wigan in 2020.
“Oh man, there’s something about him from the first time he came on this season and just completely changed the game,” James said. “I think he’s a game-changer. Unfortunately for Leeds against United, it changed one way then it kind of flipped the other.
“But this guy, if Leeds – and it is an if, and I think there is a reality to there being an if still – if Leeds weren’t to stay up this season, then he’ll be one player who will still be playing Premier League football irrespective of Leeds’ position next season. He is a young talent.”
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