We’re heading into the final weeks of the season, and, as ever, Leeds United have some selection problems to contend with.
Indeed, Luke Ayling’s red-card against Arsenal combined with Stuart Dallas’ injury means that the Whites don’t have a recognised right-back fit and available.
Leeds will need to find an alternative at right-back, and for a period against Arsenal over the weekend, Daniel James stepped into that role.
James certainly has the attributes to be a decent attacking full-back, he’s absolutely rapid and he has plenty of stamina, while his delivery from wide areas is decent as well.
Of course, there are defensive short-falls in his game, but with Dallas and Ayling out, Leeds simply won’t be able to find a balanced right-back.
James could be Leeds’ best bet in that position, and if he does move to right-back, that will leave a space open up front. After all, the Welshman has been Leeds’ first-choice number nine in recent months.
With Patrick Bamford also out injured, a move to right-back for James could finally see Joe Gelhardt truly unleashed onto the Premier League.
The former Wigan striker has appeared sporadically this season, impressing whenever he’s had a chance – being described as ‘special’ by Jamie Carragher in the past, but this mix of injuries and suspensions to strikers and right-backs could see him finally get an extended run in the team.
With three games to go and a squad that has been heavily depleted, Leeds need to roll the dice, and with James looking like one of the most viable options at right-back, Gelhardt could be about to get his first proper run as a starter in this team.
Gelhardt has been on the periphery all season long, but now, it may be time for him to be truly unleashed.
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