Joe Gelhardt earns 'wrecking ball' praise after first Premier League start at Tottenham Hotspur - YEP 22/11/21
Jamie Redknapp likened Leeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt to a 'human wrecking ball' on his first Premier League start.
By Joe Urquhart
The Whites forward was given a chance to impress by head
coach Marcelo Bielsa in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart
Lane.
Gelhardt was handed a first top flight start of his Leeds
career in the capital as he led the attack amid a host of injuries.
Bielsa was without seven players for the trip to the capital
with forward options Patrick Bamford, Raphinha, Rodrigo and Crysencio
Summerville among those missing.
Joffy, as he is affectionately known, made his debut from
the bench against Wolves last month and his impact was felt instantly by
winning a late penalty in the 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
The 19-year-old was this time selected from the start by his
manager and impressed in front of a 60,000-strong crowd in London, particularly
during the first half when the visitors enjoyed dominance.
United took the lead through wide man Dan James - his first
goal for the club since his summer deadline day arrival - on the stroke of
half-time but were undone by goals from Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Sergio
Reguilón to leave empty handed.
"He is probably early in his development because
Raphinha would normally play in that area but he’s like a human wrecking
ball," said Redknapp of the former Wigan Athletic academy graduate's
abilities.
"You see him on the pitch, he made a real difference. I
like him, he’s really exciting. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the
ball, takes people on. Once he gets into the box he loves it and where he can
cause most of his damage."
Former Leeds striker Robbie Keane also revealed he had been
pleased by what he had seen of the striker so far.
"He certainly looks like he’s got a bit," Keane
echoed.
"He has a bit of personality about him, he puts himself
about and when he gets more experience, a few more games, more composure in
front of goal.
