Joe Gelhardt has told BBC Radio Leeds that his preferred role is playing as a no.10 – despite not actually being used in that role by Leeds United, yet. The attacker is back at Elland Road after a loan away from the club, at Sunderland.
Gelhardt, 21, endured a difficult time at Sunderland. He joined the Black Cats in January, expecting to play up front with Ross Stewart – but the target man picked up a season-ending ankle injury, days after Gelhardt joined the club.
It meant he had to lead the line by himself, up top. He managed just three goals and three assists in 20 Sunderland matches. Now, he is back at Leeds and the competition is aplenty up top – but it might be, he plays in a new role.
Speaking to media this week, Gelhardt claims his best position is as a no.10 – behind the striker. With Leeds letting Brenden Aaronson go on loan to Union Berlin, the Whites are lacking in that role. It could be that Gelhardt comes in.
“That is to be fair [wherever the manager will play me],” Gelhardt told BBC Radio Leeds this week, when asked where he would prefer to play in attack. “I think my preferred position would be to play as a no.10.
“I like getting on the ball and running at defenders. As a 9 it can be hard, you have to suss the game out. Back to goal, bring others into play. I benefit from getting the ball deeper, running at defences and making things happen.”
Leeds star Joe Gelhardt says preferred role is as a no.10, playing deeper
Those who watched Gelhardt come through at Leeds and play for the Under-21 side will know how much of an impact Joffy can have, when dropping deeper to receive possession and running at defences. He is not a no.9.
He never really was. But he is the kind of player to play as a 10? He certainly has the work rate, the tenacity to play in midfield. Perhaps, using Joffy behind Patrick Bamford or another striker might actually get the best out of him.
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