Dean Jones: Wilfried Gnonto’s Italy call-up could fast-track his first team involvement at Leeds United
Journalist Dean Jones believes Wilfried Gnonto’s call-up with Italy will help him break into the first team at Leeds United.
Gnonto was the Whites’ answer to their striker problem in the summer, but the former Zurich forward was initially viewed as a long-term project.
However, after briefly impressing in the Under-21s and then receiving a call-up to the Italy national squad, there’s a chance he could push for a spot in the Leeds first team sooner rather than later.
Jones, who has been published in EuroSport and Bleacher Report, certainly believes that’s the case, and that his Italy involvement puts him above other Leeds youngsters.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said: “I think they all have the potential to force their way in.
“What I would say is that Gnonto is going to be the one that people have an eye on immediately given he’s just been given a chance, a proper chance, with Italy.”
Adding competition
Gnonto’s arrival will keep both Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford on their toes.
If they weren’t already feeling pressure for their starting spot from the likes of Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt, then Gnonto will definitely make sure they avoid complacency.
Squad depth has been a real issue for Leeds recently, particularly up front. Dan James was forced to fill in for Jesse Marsch’s side for much of last season after Bamford’s injury, and investment was desperately needed.
While Marsch may not have got his first choices in the shape of Cody Gakpo or Bamba Dieng, the board made sure he was backed with a striker over the summer, and Gnonto has certainly built up some excitement at Elland Road.
With a packed October schedule on the horizon, there’s a good chance that Greenwood, Gelhardt and Gnonto all get minutes in the first team.
But as Jones mentioned, all eyes are on Gnonto after his Italy call-up, and he has a huge opportunity to give Marsch some selection headaches in the forward positions.
In other Leeds United news, Rodrigo is stunned by ‘Impossible’ incident as he returns to full Leeds training