---
title: "Leeds: Noel Whelan calls for Joe Gelhardt to get more game-time"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/noel-whelan-joe-gelardt-game-time-plea-bielsa/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United"
published: "2022-02-22T16:05:24Z"
modified: "2022-02-22T16:05:24Z"
---

# Leeds: Noel Whelan calls for Joe Gelhardt to get more game-time

**Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt deserves more playing time for the Whites, according to club ambassador Noel Whelan.**

### The Lowdown: Leeds prepare for Liverpool test

The Whites face a hugely taxing trip to Liverpool in the Premier League on Wednesday night, looking to produce a shock result against a team who have [won their last eight games](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fc-liverpool/spielplandatum/verein/31) in a row.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are firing on all cylinders and have key players available again – the [total opposite to Leeds](https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php) – and they are strong favourites to prevail.

Marcelo Bielsa has the option of potentially starting Gelhardt, with the youngster [doing well](https://www.sofascore.com/manchester-united-leeds-united/JsK) after coming off the substitutes’ bench in Sunday’s 4-2 defeat at home to Manchester United.

\[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″\]

### The Latest: Whelan wants Gelhardt to start

Whelan was speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-united-news-whelan-issues-extraordinary-joe-gelhardt-claim-pre-liverpool/) about Gelhardt and believes that Bielsa should be putting more faith in the 19-year-old to start for Leeds.

The 47-year-old said:

> “There’s no doubt that Gelhardt brings a spark to the side. There’s a real danger when he’s on the ball. He’s one of the only players who can glide past players and do something extraordinary.
>
> “I definitely think he needs more game time, whether he starts every week – I don’t know. But even when he’s a sub, he needs to be the first one on the pitch if we’re trying to change a game.
>
> “Our best attack at the moment is with Gelhardt leading the line and Rodrigo in that midfield role behind. Gelhardt just shows more intent.
>
> “He’s got no fear. He brings that excitement and energy to the Leeds United side when he’s on the pitch.”

[Latest Leeds United news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-35/)

### The Verdict: Get him in

Given how both Gelhardt and Raphinha [influenced proceedings](https://www.sofascore.com/manchester-united-leeds-united/JsK) against Man United after coming off the bench, it would be nice to see both being handed starts against Liverpool.

They brought more of a vibrancy to the attack than some of those on the pitch before their introductions, with Jack Harrison potentially making way at Anfield after a [quiet day at the office](https://www.sofascore.com/manchester-united-leeds-united/JsK) on Sunday.

If Gelhardt leads the line on Wednesday, with Raphinha, Rodrigo and Dan James behind him in a 4-2-3-1 system, Leeds should at least pose an attacking threat against one of Europe’s best teams at the moment.

***In other news, one Leeds player could reportedly leave the club permanently this summer. Read more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leif-davis-permanent-exit-rumours-bournemouth/).***