Jermaine Beckford has shared that he is a ‘big fan’ of Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt, as he told Sky Sports (18/12/21 at 5:10 pm).
The ex-Leeds player added that Gelhardt has ‘quick feet’ and he is a ‘strong’ player that takes up very good central positions.
Last week, Gelhardt, who arrived from Wigan last summer, scored his first Premier League goal in the colours of the Yorkshire side during their defeat at Chelsea.
The 19-year-old was handed a start yesterday, but he wasn’t able to make an impact as Arsenal ran riot at Elland Road.
All of this will be a huge learning curve for the teenager, who is learning life at the top the hard way, as Beckford spoke positively about the player.
“I think he will be making more appearances off the bench,” said Beckford.
“I am a huge fan of Joe. I am a really big fan of his. Mainly because his starting position is very central. He is an out-and-out forward. I love where he starts his movements from.
“Quick feet. He is quite stocky as well and has that low centre of gravity. Quite strong.”
When you are handed minutes out on the pitch, like Gelhardt is now getting, then you want to play in the best situations possible.
That’s not happening for the teenager because, not only is he young, but those around him are inexperienced as well.
If Patrick Bamford was fit, then he would probably be on the bench, but there is no Liam Copper, Dan James or Kalvin Phillips, to name a few.
That is a huge problem and disadvantage, not only for Gelhardt, but Marcelo Bielsa’s and his players, who have now been on the end of two heavy defeats.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
