“Difficult decision: Claim made as Leeds United face tricky Gnonto/James call
After goals in back-to-back games, FLW’s Leeds United fan analyst expects Leeds United will use Willy Gnonto more.
For Leeds United, Willy Gnonto has scored goals in back-to-back games after failing to do so since August.
Before hammering home the first goal in the FA Cup triumph over Plymouth Argyle, the 20-year-old scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Bristol City to secure three vital league points.
It was incredibly well-executed, sending the ball into the distant corner following sharp passing from Glen Kamara and excellent anticipation from Sam Byram.
Despite not making many starts for the Whites the previous season, Gnonto was frequently a dynamic substitute from the bench when given the opportunity to shine. In his debut season in the Premier League, the attacker finished with four goals and four assists from 28 appearances.
He began the season, but an ankle injury against Hull City gave others the opportunity, and since then, he has had difficulty getting the start because Dan James and Crysencio Summerville have both been in excellent form.Naturally, due to his lack of game time since then, there have been question marks surrounding his future, but he stayed at Elland Road in January, and an adductor injury for James has allowed Gnonto more starts in the last few weeks, and he has scored two well-taken goals in as many games.
| Willy Gnonto’s career stats, as of 08/02/24 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| FC Zurich | 74 | 12 | 10 |
| Leeds United | 54 | 7 | 5 |
| Italy | 13 | 1 | 2 |
Leeds should utilise Gnonto differently
FLW’s Leeds United fan pundit Kris Smith believes competition for places is a good thing, with the Leeds attacker now coming into form. However, he would like to see the Italian international used more centrally at some point as well.
He said: “For Farke, it might cause some difficult decision headaches in the coming weeks on the right-wing.
“While Gnonto appears to be returning to his best, Dan James is the only true natural right-winger on our team.
“It seems very clear to me that Giovanni is better on the left, but the problem for him is that his best friend, Crysencio Summerville, will have that position as long as he plays for Leeds.
“A Leeds side that is guaranteed promotion cannot realistically depend on Summerville and Rutter, their two best players, to save them in every game with their individual skill.
“Having Gnonto and James come up is a big help going into a difficult stretch of games.
“How does that affect the starting lineup? Really, it’s difficult to tell. Which way Farke goes for that right side—between Gnonto and James—will only become clear with time.
Due to his versatility, Giovanni may also be used in other places, such as as a backup striker in the event that Patrick Bamford has another injury.
“On the other hand, a lot of supporters are eager to see him play right behind the striker, taking up the spot that Rutter and [Joel] Piroe have been primarily holding.