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Opinion: Bielsa must pick Gelhardt over James for Leeds’ clash with Villa
Leeds United have been dealt a real blow ahead of facing Aston Villa on Wednesday, with Patrick Bamford no closer to returning to Marcelo Bielsa’s side due to .
Bamford has been a huge miss for the Whites. And his absence really hurt the side in their most recent Premier League clash as they failed to score against Newcastle.
That result last time out put a real dampener on Leeds’ promising January. And they now face a Villa side who have looked incredibly bright under Steven Gerrard.
Leeds fans will probably expect Dan James to lead the line at Villa Park. Rodrigo is a potential contender. However, the Spaniard may be needed in the number 10 role. And Bielsa is clearly a fan of having James in the side.
But perhaps the Leeds boss should take a gamble and turn to Joe Gelhardt to start up front against Villa.
Bielsa picking Gelhardt against Villa would be incredibly exciting move from Leeds boss
Gelhardt is one of the most exciting players in the Leeds squad. And he is living up to expectations. He scored in the agonising defeat to Chelsea. And he provided an assist in the win over Burnley.
The 19-year-old has also already won two penalties in his eight Premier League appearances. He is a player who even gets fans out of their seats just by getting prepared to come onto the pitch.
Gelhardt has that piece of magic up his sleeve. And he clearly does not lack belief or confidence.
Stephen Warnock previously suggested that he is a ‘special‘ player. And with Bamford unavailable, it is surely worth rolling the dice and using Gelhardt against Villa.
That would also potentially allow James to come on and stretch the opposition when they have started to tire.
Gelhardt has been a shining light in a difficult season for Leeds. And handing him a start against the Villans would be an incredibly exciting move from Bielsa.