Wilfried Gnonto was the name on almost every Leeds United fan’s lips on Tuesday night after the Whites 1-1 draw with Leicester City. Despite the clamour to see Gnonto in Javi Gracia’s starting XI against the Foxes, he was overlooked once more and watched the entirety of the game from the bench.
His absence on the field was a huge cause of frustration for supporters, who could be heard singing his name at various points of the game, particularly in the second half as Leeds went in search of a second goal. Gracia didn’t blink, though, and Gnonto’s considerable talents were not utilised.
Given the way the head coach has used Gnonto since his arrival it shouldn’t have been a surprise to see him omitted from the side, with the Spaniard preferring to use the teenager sparingly. For those who watched him excel in the side before Gracia’s arrival, though, his management of the Italy international seems hard to fathom.
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The attacker established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League after breaking into Jesse Marsch’s side earlier in the campaign, showcasing his considerable talent on the left side of Leeds’ attack. His performances carried Leeds at times during the winter with his goal threat, creativity and desire proving difficult to deal with.
Here’s a look at just some of the moments Gnonto has made a difference for Leeds this season.
Liverpool (a)
After working his way into Marsch’s thoughts, the Italian was given the nod to make his debut at Anfield back in October. It was only a brief stint on the field, 18 minutes to be exact, but the energy he provided off the bench against Liverpool made all the difference as Leeds claimed an historic win on Merseyside.
Neither Trent Alexander-Arnold nor James Milner could stifle his threat and in the 89th minute of the game, he carved open the Reds to create the opportunity that was finished by Crysencio Summerville.
Bournemouth (h)
After an impressive debut, Marsch looked his way a little earlier the next week, throwing him on at half-time with Leeds already 2-1 down to the Cherries. Bournemouth bagged a third just a few minutes after the interval, but Gnonto’s movement and presence helped swing the game in Leeds’ favour as the second half wore on.
It was the 19-year-old’s break down the field that set up the winning goal, too. Picking the ball up in his own half, Gnonto charged down the spine of the pitch before threading an inch perfect pass through to Summerville to finish for the second week running.
West Ham (h)
A fixture in the starting XI by the time West Ham arrived at Elland Road in early January, it was the Italian who put Leeds in front against the Hammers with a moment of magic. Carrying the ball inside from a throw in, Gnonto combined with Summerville to work his way into the box before beating Lukasz Fabianski at the near post with a rifled effort into the bottom corner.
That was his first goal in a Leeds shirt and he would follow that up with a strong showing at Aston Villa the following week and a Paulo Di Canio-esque scissor kick finish against Cardiff City in the FA Cup.
Man United (a)
Erik ten Hag’s side didn’t know what had hit them at Old Trafford as the managerless Whites hit the front inside the opening minute. Leeds were in turmoil following the sacking of Jesse Marsch and they weren’t given a hope of picking up points at Manchester United, who had been in impressive form on home soil.
Gnonto didn’t get the memo, though, and his effort from the edge of the box gave the Whites a first half lead. The Italian had a hand in Leeds’ second, too, finding Summerville, who saw his cross deflected home by Raphael Varane.
Leeds are certainly well stocked when it comes to attacking options, particularly on the flanks with Summerville, Gnonto, Luis Sinisterra and Jack Harrison all seemingly vying for just two roles on the field. However, Gnonto’s influence as a starter or at the very least as an impact sub is undeniable and he could be the man United need to provide the spark to get them over the line.
He’s shown he can be a difference maker in this Whites side and that’s exactly what Gracia needs if he is to lead the club towards a fourth straight Premier League campaign. Gnonto is a goal threat, he can produce something out of nothing and despite his tender age, he seems more than capable of handling the pressure that comes with such a situation.
Games don’t come much bigger than this weekend’s at the Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth and Gnonto can surely be considered the ideal man for the occasion. Gracia hasn’t been clear when asked to explain his stance regarding the attacker, but with Sinisterra’s fitness in doubt, Gnonto ought to be playing a role on the south coast.
The Italian’s ability, attitude and energy could certainly be utilised throughout May, too, with goals needed to dig Leeds out of the mire.
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