Tim Sherwood has claimed that Leeds youngster, Joe Gelhardt, is a ‘real talent’, as he told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (30/10/21 at 1:05 pm).
The 19-year-old came off the bench for Leeds during their 1-1 draw against Wolves last week and changed the momentum of the game.
It looked like Leeds were heading for a costly defeat, only for Gelhardt’s introduction adding more oomph and bite to the Yorkshire side’s forward line.
Gelhardt’s driving run inside the penalty area resulted in the home team winning a stoppage-time penalty, as Rodrigo kept his nerve by slotting home.
Sherwood worked with youngsters during his days in North London, including bringing through players like Harry Kane and Andros Townsend at Tottenham.
Not forgetting pushing Jack Grealish further up the pecking order in the Midlands when he was Villa manager.
And the former title-winner likes what he sees with Leeds’ new young gun, who is starting to flex his muscles in the Premier League.
“Outstanding,” said Sherwood. “But it all comes from the manager, he breeds confidence into the players by selecting them. He doesn’t care about reputation and price tags.
“If they are doing it training, then they are getting an opportunity to play. This boy looks like a real talent.
“He wants to receive the ball in different areas. Looks like he has different facets to his game. It’s all about confidence. And the confidence the manager is instilling on you.”
It will be interesting to see if Marcelo Bielsa pushes Gelhardt’s towards a starting spot later on this afternoon.
Leeds face a crucial trip to Carrow Road where they take on rock-bottom Norwich – they were beaten 7-0 during their last encounter.
This is perhaps an apt time to throw Gelhardt into the deep end because Leeds need to get their engine going.
Whilst it has started on a few occasions, it isn’t running as smoothly as it was last season.
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