Leeds United are likely to be in the market for a new no.10 after allowing Brenden Aaronson to go on loan to Union Berlin this summer – but perhaps, the club already have the ideal replacement for the American, in Joe Gelhardt.
Aaronson is one of five players to leave the club on loan to an overseas side – along with Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Robin Koch and Rasmus Kristensen. Rheinische Post say Max Wober is set for Gladbach, when Nico Elvedi departs.
Leeds are about to solve a lack of options in goal, and in midfield. A new centre-back is needed but without USA star Aaronson, Leeds are lacking in attacking midfield. Sam Greenwood is probably our only recognised number 10.
However, that might have just changed. Gelhardt says his preferred position is playing behind the striker. He says it allows him to play to his strengths which he feels is running at defenders, instead of having his back to the goal.
Gelhardt has not actually been used in that role by Leeds, or at least, not the senior side. Most of his game time was under Jesse Marsch, and that came up front – especially with Patrick Bamford suffering so many injuries recently.
Leeds already have ideal replacement for Aaronson in form of Gelhardt
But, avid Leeds fans will remember a slightly-younger Gelhardt playing for the 21’s. While the team sheet said he was leading the line – the ex-Wigan man would often be seen dropping into midfield and getting involved in play.
Gelhardt – bought by Leeds for £1m from Wigan – has drawn comparisons from Wayne Rooney. Able to play as a striker but hardly a no.9, Gelhardt has the ability to produce magic by himself. He does not rely on others to score.
So, playing him off Bamford or Georginio Rutter could get the best out of Gelhardt. With Greenwood better off used slightly deeper in midfield – and Aaronson gone, it might be that Gelhardt is the man Daniel Farke turns to at no.10.
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