Liverpool born Joe “Joffy” Gelhardt has had an emphatic start to his second loan spell at Hull City. Â
Following his move from parent club Leeds United, the Merseyside man has become something of a cult hero to the Hull City faithful.Â
The Scouse striker has accounted for the Tigers’ success so far this season with the side currently sitting in the playoff places at fifth place just four points behind the automatics.Â
The 23-year-old’s start to the season saw him earn the player of the month award in August and his impressive array of ability has developed as the season has progressed, scoring five goals and assisting two in his last six appearances.
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Playing for both Liverpool and Everton’s academies, Gelhardt found his first breakthrough within a Leeds side in the Premier League where moments of brilliance helped Leeds avoid relegation in the 2021/22 season.Â
However, following a lack of playing time at Elland Road Gelhardt made the switch from West Yorkshire to East Yorkshire becoming the top scorer for the Tigers with seven goals in 15 appearances.Â
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Gelhardt’s individual brilliance has seen him become a regular starter for the side as he plays up top alongside Oli McBurnie with the pair netting the ball a combined 13 times across the 15 Championship fixtures. Â
Hull City have exceeded expectations, as many journalists had tipped the Tigers to be fighting relegation. However, with their attacking prowess, City may have a chance to regain their Premier League status. Â
Gelhardt’s involvement in attacking power is clear through statistics with the Scouser attaining the highest average amount of total shots per game alongside the highest average total shots on target per game. Â
The striker’s performances have been recognised and acknowledged as he holds the highest average rating within the side, his 15 appearances have led to an average rating of 7.32 with his latest rating reaching 8.9 in the victory against Portsmouth with both a goal and assist. Â
His contribution to the side is clear through the data graphics, impressively his expected goals and assists tower over others within the side simply displaying his importance within the side.
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Gelhardt was praised in head coach Sergej Jakirovic’s post match interview following the win over Portsmouth with the manager labelling the striker’s goal as “amazing” as well as comparing his style of scoring to Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp.
The striker has also had a goal nominated for the Sky Bet Championship goal of the month with a professionally finished team goal against Leicester City.
However, the future is uncertain for the Liverpudlian with his loan spell set to end with the completion of the 2025/26 season.
Hull fans will very much hope that the striker remains at the club through a permanent contract. On the other hand if the striker’s scoring form continues his Premier League parent club Leeds United may recall him to spearhead their attack.
