'He creates danger' - Marcelo Bielsa details the qualities of Leeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt

The Whites youngster has impressed this season in the development ranks.
Leeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt. Pic: GettyLeeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt. Pic: Getty
Leeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt. Pic: Getty

Marcelo Bielsa has described Leeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt as a player who 'always creates danger'.

The 18-year-old forward joined the Elland Road ranks last summer and has impressed for the club's development squad throughout the season.

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The Whites fought off strong competition for his signature from cash-strapped Wigan Athletic, with Gelhardt a highly-rated England youth prospect.

He has bagged seven goals and two assists in just 12 Premier League 2 outings for United's Under-23s this season, linking up with fellow acquisition Sam Greenwood - who arrived from Arsenal.

Gelhardt was named in Bielsa's senior squad for the first time earlier this month against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and has since filled out the Whites bench at Arsenal and Wolves.

The former Latics academy graduate has caught the eye of supporters with his form since joining the club and United boss Bielsa has been equally impressed.

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"He’s a player that always creates danger in a game," Bielsa of the youngster's abilities.

"He’s a player who’s more linked with the finalising of chances rather than the creation of them. He has resources to beat an opponent and he has a final shot, a finish that is very good."

Several Leeds youngsters are currently spending the season out on loan away from West Yorkshire in the Football League in a bid to gain experience.

Asked how closely he was following the development of Robbie Gotts at Salford City and Bradford City pair Bryce Hosannah and Jordan Stevens in particular, Bielsa said: "We watch every game that they play.

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"It’s very important that they can compete. We hope they will be able to shine and show the qualities that they have. Fundamentally, that they get to play with continuity. They have to show they shine when they participate.

"That’s the objective. We also have [Ryan] Edmondson and [Alfie] McCalmont on loan and we follow them closely in a detailed manner and we hope they are able to progress and come back."