Wilfried Gnonto run must end as Leeds United update emerges ahead of Swansea
Wilfriend Gnonto has been electric for Leeds United over the past few weeks, making the most of an important absence on the right flank.
Following a difficult start to the campaign, with Daniel Farke not impressed by the young Italian and a potential transfer move away from Elland Road on the cards, the winger has finally found his feet and is shining.
The dangerous winger has been given his opportunity to shine due to Dan James’ injury, starting each of the Whites’ last four matches in all competitions and scoring twice.
Despite his brilliant form, Farke must make the difficult decision to replace Gnonto with the Welshman once he has returned to full fitness. Speaking in his press conference on Monday (12 February), Farke admitted that he would be in the squad to face Swansea City on Tuesday 13 February.
Clock is ticking for Wilfried Gnonto at Leeds United
Swansea may come too soon for James, so the Italian may be given one final chance in the starting XI before being returned to the bench, but the former likely appears in some capacity.
It would be absolutely nothing against Gnonto, who has proven to be a real professional after requesting a transfer away from Elland Road earlier in the season. However, James is in the form of his career.
In all competitions, James has registered 10 goals and seven assists in 29 appearances so far this season, already bettering any return the player has had in any other season.
The 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength under Farke, admitting that the right manager can have an extremely important impact on form, having felt the support and belief at Elland Road right from the start.
Having been replaced at half-time during Leeds’ 1-0 win over Norwich City, bagging the assist for Patrick Bamford’s winner, James’ last goal came in a 2-1 win over Preston North End on Sunday 21 January.
Opening the scoring after just six minutes, Jermaine Beckford was amazed by the forward, describing his effort as an “absolutely brilliant finish” as Joel Piroe scored an injury-time penalty to claim all three points.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay believes a star Whites ace has already played his last game for the club.
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