Tony Dorigo has told LUTV during his role as co-commentator that he is “concerned” with Joe Gelhardt in the no.10 role, after the Leeds United man struggled to get going against Nottingham Forest on Thursday night, in a 2-0 win.
Gelhardt, 21, is back at the club after a loan at Sunderland where he was forced to lead the line for Tony Mowbray’s side. Glimpses, but struggled. Gelhardt scored just three goals in 20 games, as Sunderland finished in the top six.
Back at Leeds, Gelhardt finds himself amidst plenty of competition up top – with Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter, Mateo Joseph and the possibility of a new signing. Daniel Farke is keen to use a no.10, and Gelhardt is eyeing it up.
He said this week that he feels the 10 role is his best position. Sam Greenwood, his close friend, is our other option in that area. So, Gelhardt was given his chance against Forest as a no.10. But the £1m signing struggled last night.
He was given a 5/10 rating in our player ratings piece, and Dorigo was equally critical. Following a brief verdict early in the first half from Dorigo, the ex-Leeds man then said he was concerned – when Gelhardt lost the ball on 43 mins.
“So far, not bad at all,” Dorigo said, while commentating on LUTV – discussing Gelhardt. “Bamford needs support. Gelhardt comes alive around the box, he needs to get further up, but he also has to receive the ball off the midfield.
“It is an important part of the team, and Farke has to get it right,” Dorigo added. On 43 minutes, he said “Those are the positions I am concerned about. You’ve got to receive it there, shield it and get forward – you cannot lose it.”
Tony Dorigo concerned with Leeds United man Joe Gelhardt in no.10 role
He did not look like the answer last night, but you can hardly judge him off of one game. There is no doubt that Gelhardt is a serious talent and can have a real impact at Leeds this season, in the final third. But more is needed.
After a tricky loan at Sunderland, it looked as if Gelhardt was lacking in a bit of confidence. Certainly, not playing with the same vigour and tenacity as he used to when the main man for our 21’s. Obviously, opposition is different.
Leeds do probably need to enter the market to bring in a no.10 this summer, and if that is the case, then it could mean Gelhardt needs to consider a loan. But, if Farke places his faith in him, then he has the potential to shine.
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