Joe Gelhardt outfoxes Salford City defender to assist Sam Greenwood as Leeds United exit the EFL Trophy
Joe Gelhardt showed incredible footballing nous last night for Leeds United Under-21s amid growing calls for the young player to start for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Mark Jackson’s Under-21s were 2-1 down half an hour into the EFL Trophy tie when Gelhardt made a run on the left wing to receive a throw-in from Max Dean.
Instead of controlling the ball, Gelhardt let it run behind him and, with Salford’s Andy Smith touch-tight to him, ran around the defender to claim the ball and charge into the box.
Then, instead of firing the ball past the goalkeeper, the 19-year-old squared it for Sam Greenwood, who neatly tucked it into the bottom corner to make the score 2-2.
The goal couldn't change the result, though. After Greenwood's goal drew Leeds level, Salford romped to a 5-3 win.
Here’s what Leeds fans made of Gelhardt’s display:
@SeanFHealy: Excellent from Joe. Most players would have tried to finish it themselves. ‘Side before self every time’.
@StringofBeads: Bit special.
@TomHick8: Needs a start this lad.
@Thombo1987: Absolutely filthy by Joffy.
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