Soccer Football - Premier League - Leeds United v West Ham United - Elland Road, Leeds, Britain - January 4, 2023 West Ham United's Nayef Aguerd and Flynn Downes in action with Leeds United's Joe Gelhardt REUTERS/Carl Recine EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt has been backed for success during his loan move at Sunderland by journalist Joe Donnohue.
The Lowdown: Gelhardt exits on loan
Leeds allowed Gelhardt to join Sunderland on a loan deal in January, after only being utilised as a bit-part player by Jesse Marsch in the Premier League this season, featuring for just 201 minutes across a total of 15 appearances.
It is likely that the 20-year-old would have received even less game time in the second half of the season, with the Whites bringing in striker Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim in a club-record deal, so the move will allow him to get increased minutes.
The Latest: Donnohue reacts
Donnohue took to Twitter to state that the season-ending injury suffered by Sunderland striker Ross Stewart means that the youngster is likely to feature regularly for the Black Cats, as they have no other recognised centre-forward.
The journalist went on to say that the move ‘could be the making of him’, while he also added that he will not be isolated, as the Black Cats have several ‘supporting forwards.’
The Verdict: Great loan move
Gelhardt has, at times, impressed for Jesse Marsch‘s side in the Premier League, managing to get two assists as a substitute this season, however he is not going to take significant strides unless he is given a consistent run in the first team.
The ‘tremendous‘ starlet has shown that he is ready for the step up to men’s football, scoring twice and receiving an 8.4 match rating for Leeds U21s in a 5-3 win at Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy earlier this season, with his output in that match indicating that the Championship could be his current level.
It will be no easy feat for the Liverpool-born forward to take on the responsibility of being the main man at the Stadium of Light, but he has now got a real opportunity to prove himself, and it is one that he must take with both hands if he is to have a long-term future at Elland Road.
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