Leeds fans want to see young forward Joe Gelhardt playing more, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The 19-year-old has broken into the side's first-team this season, but was still used sparingly by Marcelo Bielsa.

How has Gelhardt fared this season?

Gelhardt made his first Premier League appearance back in October as he came on as a second half substitute against Southampton.

He has since played a further nine matches in the top-flight for the Yorkshire-based club.

In these games, he has registered four goal contributions - one goal and three assists, proving himself to be an exciting talent for the future. However, he has still only started two league matches for the club.

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What has O'Rourke said about Gelhardt?

Bielsa may have been hesitant to use Gelhardt, but the Argentine coach has now been replaced by Jesse Marsch at Elland Road.

Marsch has shown that he can get the best out of young attackers in the past, and O'Rourke has suggested that this could work in Gelhardt's favour.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “The Leeds fans have been crying out for him to be given more of a chance, and Jesse Marsch has a good track record of working with young strikers, as he did with Minamino at Salzburg, Erling Haaland as well at RB Salzburg. So, he’s not afraid to give younger players a chance.”

Is Gelhardt likely to play more under Marsch?

Potentially.

Leeds netted 62 league goals last term, but have been far less prolific in front of goal this season, scoring just 29 goals in their 26 matches to date.

This can largely be put down to the absence of Patrick Bamford, who was the side's top scorer in 2020/21, but has only played six times in the league this time around due to injuries.

It has been reported that Bamford is back in training, and could be ready to return to the side soon, which would be a major boost for Leeds' chances of avoiding relegation.

However, given how long he has been out for, the England international may have to be eased back into action, and this could provide Gelhardt with the opportunity to impress in Marsch's first few matches in charge, particularly if the American manager opts to go with his favoured 4-2-2-2 formation.