Leeds United player is impressing Daniel Farke in training he’s failed to make the squad in the last four Championship games.
Leeds United are in a good moment right now after two consecutive Championship wins, currently sitting at the top of the table following Sunday’s last-gasp victory over Swansea.
A Manor Solomon brace, an own goal from Ben Cabango and Wilfried Gnonto’s late winner was enough to secure three points in Wales despite Florian Bianchini believed he had equalised in the 90th minute.
It sets Leeds nicely up for Wednesday’s welcome of Luton Town at Elland Road. A side recently relegated from the Premier League, and a side Daniel Farke believes are in with a shout of finishing in the play-offs.
That is despite Luton’s poor start to the Championship season, with Rob Edwards’ men currently sitting in 16th place. There are a few decisions Farke has to make to his Leeds squad ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
Leeds player impressing Farke in training despite not being picked
The debate over who starts up front remains. Joel Piroe was a bystander for large parts of Sunday’s win against his old side, while Mateo Joseph has only managed two goals in 16 appearances and nine starts.
Patrick Bamford is yet to win a Championship start, while Joe Gelhardt is firmly fourth choice. Farke was asked about the latter in Monday’s press conference, and the Leeds boss said Gelhardt is impressing him.
“I can’t always take four strikers . It’s tough for him but I have to praise his attitude and his performances in training. Need this. He has to make sure he prepares himself for when the chance will come,” he said.
“Sometimes there are chances out of injuries, illness and bookings. Has to be ready for when his chance comes and grab it when it comes. A really top class human being, he’s a quality player, lots of options.”
Joe Gelhardt’s lack of game time in numbers for Leeds this term
With the January window approaching, there is no doubt that Gelhardt is one of the likeliest to leave Leeds. He’s already gone on loan before during his Leeds spell, scoring three goals in 16 at Sunderland.
It is unfortunate for Gelhardt, a player that would certainly improve most Championship sides. But he is in a side that simply cannot compete with the options up top in this Leeds side, given there are three ahead.
An injury or two might see Gelhardt promoted with the Christmas period likely to see some injuries. But Gelhardt has failed to make the squad in Leeds’ last four games, and is unlikely to do so on Wednesday.
