Crysencio Summerville ‘knuckled down massively’ at Leeds United after Willy Gnonto and attitude questions – Phil Hay
Crysencio Summerville has “clicked in a big way” with Leeds United boss Daniel Farke to overcome previous questions around his supposed need for guidance, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic reporter said on The Square Ball preview show on 2 November ahead of the trip to Leicester City a day later that the in-form Dutch winger has “knuckled down massively” as he continues to star for the Whites under the German.
Previous suggestions that he required the influence of friend and teammate Willy Gnonto to “keep him on the straight and narrow” appear to have been dispelled as the 22-year-old has emerged as a crucial part of the first team.
Hay said (8m 30s): “He just seems to have knuckled down massively, Summerville. You go back over the past couple of years, there’s always been a little bit of chat about his attitude.
“[Jesse] Marsch used to talk a lot about how Gnonto was a very positive influence on Summerville, almost implying that Summerville needed that kind of guidance and straight line around him to keep him on the straight and narrow.
“But it looks like Summerville and Farke have clicked in quite a big way at this point.”
Outstanding
Marsch was obviously the manager and knew far more about the Leeds United players than anyone on the outside, but vague questions about a player’s attitude without real substantiation often seem to come down to simple personality differences and risk painting a player in a negative light unfairly.
If Farke has proven to be the ideal sort of boss for the young wide man then it is another reason why his hiring looks like being arguably the most important decision of the summer.
Summerville has far surpassed Gnonto this season as a crucial factor on the pitch, as well as with his commitment to the club by most indications.
The pair remain close and a departure for the Italy international could still have an effect on the sparkling form that Summerville is currently exhibiting.
But in terms of taking responsibility to help drive this Whites side forward with increasingly impactful contributions it is impossible to criticise the Dutchman this term.
He deserves as much of the credit as Farke for his development over the past year and, fitness permitting, long may it continue for the club.
In other Leeds United news, Adam Pope believes the cards are leaning in the Whites’ favour amid fears a big-money man could be set for the Premier League in January.