Bielsa must consider promoting Leeds summer signing to bench this weekend

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Joe Gelhardt would be forgiven for feeling that he may be closer than ever to making his Leeds United debut.

The 18-year-old – who cost £1 million in the summer (via Leeds Live) – has been a standout performer in an under-23 side that has been hugely impressive in the opening stages of this season.

And Gelhardt further established himself as the one to look out for with a brace at the weekend as Leeds’s youngsters beat Crystal Palace at Thorp Arch.

His first came from the penalty spot. But his second was a real moment of brilliance as he glided past challenges before firing the ball into the bottom corner.

It was a performance that saw Leeds fans laud Gelhardt. In fact, several tipped the forward for a first-team opportunity in the near future.

And following Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s latest result, perhaps promoting Gelhardt to the bench should be something that the Leeds boss seriously considers ahead of this weekend.

Leeds were beaten 4-1 by Leicester City on Monday. In truth, the Whites may well play worse this term and get more from a game. They were undone by a number of defensive errors and an inability to turn pressure into genuine chances.

Leeds suffered with Rodrigo in number 10 role

Of course, their cause was not helped by Rodrigo’s absence. The Spaniard has been superb in the number 10 role in recent weeks.

And unfortunately for Leeds, Bielsa confirmed that he will also miss Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace (via Leeds Live).

Pablo Hernandez showed flashes of magic in the defeat. But he took time to get into the game. Meanwhile, Tyler Roberts was unable to make an impact once he came on.

It seems too soon to say that Gelhardt needs to be ahead of Roberts in the pecking order. But given that Leeds did lack game-changers on the bench on Monday, perhaps there is an argument that he should be promoted to sit alongside the Wales international.

He does look to be a special talent. So while it may be a bit much at this stage to ask him to put pressure on Rodrigo, perhaps he would be capable of making an impact at Selhurst Park with a moment of individual brilliance – if given the chance.