Paul Merson has praised Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt on Sky Sports News (4:22pm, May 15, 2022) for his performance against Brighton and Hove Albion at Elland Road and has compared him with Lionel Messi.
Leeds have played out a 1-1 draw with Brighton at Elland Road in the Premier League this afternoon.
Danny Welbeck put the Seagulls in the lead in the 21st minute.
Pascal Struijk restored parity for Leeds in the second minute of injury time.
Leeds forward Gelhardt, 20, gave the assist.
The youngster bundled space in the penalty area to lift a ball across goal, and Struijk nodded home.
Former Arsenal star and Sky Sports pundit Merson was following the match, and he was impressed by Gelhardt, making comparisons with Barcelona legend and Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi.
Leeds United’s Joe Gelhardt compared to Lionel Messi
Merson said on Sky Sports News (4:22pm, May 15, 2022): “I thought the young kid upfront, Gelhardt, he set the example. The boy was outstanding.”
The Englishman added: “His skill for the goal is mind-blowing. If Messi would have done it, we would be going mad for years.”
Big result
In our opinion, the draw with Brighton and Hove Albion at Elland Road is a massive result for Leeds.
Yes, a win would have been better, but the Whites are now out of the Premier League bottom three.
Leeds have 35 points from 37 matches at the moment.
Burnley, who are third from bottom, are on 34 points from 36 games.
Leeds are still very much in danger of getting relegated to the Championship, but at least they now have a good chance of escaping the drop.
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