This time two years ago Joe Gelhardt was the man Leeds United relied upon for some inspiration off the bench.
Leeds were fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Premier League and so often Gelhardt was the man trusted to make an impact late on in matches.
Without Gelhardt, Leeds would not have stayed up that season. His stoppage time winner against Norwich City and last gasp assist to earn a point against Brighton in the run-in were effectively the difference between the Whites in 17th and Burnley in 18th.
Unfortunately, Gelhardt just has not been able to kick on since then and at best, has been a bit-part player this season. He’s started only two league matches, both of which came in August.
It seems unlikely Gelhardt will have much of a part to play in the play-offs but after recent form, Daniel Farke is certainly in need of someone who can have that level of impact.
Leeds in need of a number nine to replace injured Patrick Bamford
Such was the quality of Gelhardt off the bench that season, he was actually rewarded with a couple of starts, one of which came in the final day decider at Brentford.
Only the tightest of VAR margins prevented him from being on the scoreline that afternoon but in the absence of Patrick Bamford, he delivered a proper number nine’s performance.
With Bamford looking set to be out again, Leeds are in need of a striker to come in and fill the void and Joel Piroe has certainly proven he is not the man for the job.
Like Gelhardt two years ago, Mateo Joseph has shown on several occasions from the bench he has what it takes to start matches, but still hasn’t been handed that chance in the league.
Though Leeds are in need of a miracle if they are to enjoy some final day celebrations tomorrow, there really is not a better time for Farke to hand Joseph his opportunity.
Given how Gelhardt’s Leeds career has gone since then, Joseph will be eager to avoid following that same path, but that will only happen if he is trusted to start.
Hay says Farke use of Mateo Joseph has reminded him of Gelhardt breakthrough
Speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, Athletic journalist believes there are so many similarities between Joseph’s current campaign, and Gelhardt’s of two years ago.
“I definitely wasn’t one of those people five or six weeks ago saying Joseph has to start and I would be lying if I said before Blackburn I was thinking that’s a ridiculous decision. I understood Piroe coming into the team but I did think what happened against Blackburn was replicated in some way by what happened at QPR.
“It was the same type of performance by Piroe where he wasn’t really involved properly. There are ways this month could’ve been different and I don’t just mean the results. With Joseph, I call it the Gelhardt, where he’s thrown on and told just show what you can do.
“The thing about on first glance is he does look, from a limited number of minutes, someone who knows how to score, where to position himself and a natural centre forward. I feel like we’ve seen enough from Joseph that on a night like Friday, Farke could’ve taken a gamble.
“I don’t think it would’ve felt like a massive hail Mary. There does seem to be points where you need to push it further and gamble a little bit more. You can’t help thinking Farke would’ve looked back at Friday and thought there are things I should’ve done differently.”