The Leeds United squad has been tested to close to its limits this season with the number of injuries that have befallen Marcelo Bielsa’s side this term. However, the situation has handed academy players the opportunity to shine, which has given Leeds supporters a glimpse of what the future might hold at Elland Road.
Gelhardt Grabbing Headlines
There was a fair bit of excitement over the prospect of this talent when Leeds confirmed the signing of Joe Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic back in 2020. The Latics were condemned to relegation from the second tier at the end of the 2019-20 campaign and will be eager to be back involved in the Championship betting odds next season. Championship betting preview pieces at the time were talking of Gelhardt’s impact at the first-team level at Wigan, and his performances were enough to catch the eye of the hierarchy at Leeds.
The Whites have been keen not to rush Gelhardt into first-team action too quickly, but after a season in the under-23s, the 19-year-old is now up to speed with the way Bielsa wants his side to play. Making his debut against Fulham in the EFL Cup, Gelhardt showed composure to score in Leeds’ penalty shootout victory at Craven Cottage.
A Premier League debut against Southampton soon followed before he won a penalty to help Leeds to a 1-1 draw at Elland Road with Wolves. Scoring a first Premier League goal at Chelsea was a moment the striker will never forget, even if it was in a game that was to end in disappointment in a 3-2 defeat. With his skill, speed and fearlessness to run at defenders, there looks set to be plenty more to come from Gelhardt.
Cresswell Looks a Real Prospect
Centre-back Charlie Cresswell is another player who has shone when called upon to fill the void left by injured first-team regulars. Having captained the Leeds under-23s side to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title, the 19-year-old has shown he not only has exceptional ability but leadership skills too. Cresswell was thrust into Premier League action when handed a starting role against West Ham. Although Leeds was undone by a late goal in that game to come away from the match with a loss, Cresswell earned plenty of plaudits for his physical display.
Although Gelhardt and Cresswell are the ones who have seen most Premier League action, others in the under-23s have tasted first-team football. Cody Drameh, Crysencio Summerville and Stuart McKinstry have also featured this season, while Sam Greenwood and Jack Jenkins are other names that have been in and around the squad.
While the injuries to big names have put a strain on the Leeds squad this season, it has revealed there is plenty of potential in the next generation coming through the ranks at Elland Road.