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Journalist makes 'pressure' verdict on Leeds United ace Wilfried Gnonto, says his antics have not helped him
Wilfried Gnonto is facing “pressure” to fire Leeds United back to the Premier League after his “antics” earlier this year damaged his relationship with fans, says LeedsLive report William Jackson.
The Italy forward has not featured since September 20 after having surgery on a foot problem and has just one goal to his name in the Championship this term.
Having handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through an Elland Road exit in the summer, Jackson – writing in a feature naming five Leeds predictions in LeedsLive on Saturday (14 October) – says the onus is on Gnonto to find some form.
“There’s pressure on him to perform following his wantaway antics over the summer and with his spot in the Italy squad at risk leading into Euro 2024, he’ll be keen to send a message to Luciano Spalletti with his form in the Championship,” he wrote.
“Leeds fans have seen what Gnonto is capable of at his best and if he can get back to that, he could be the man to carry the Whites towards the automatic promotion spots.”
Over to you Willy
Jackson is tipping Gnonto to be a star in the Championship once he is back to fitness, but the diminutive forward really does have to start proving himself on a consistent basis.
Talent and potential are one thing, but performing week in and week out, especially in a league as tough as the Championship, is no easy feat and there is plenty of competition in a Leeds side now baring its teeth as promotion contenders.
If he does do that then boy do Leeds have a real asset on their hands as Daniel Farke’s men battle for an immediate return to the Premier League having been relegated last season.
On the other hand, if he does not start his undoubted potential then not only will it hurt Leeds’ hopes of returning to the top flight, but it will damage his own chances of representing Italy at Euro 2024.
It’s over to you now Willy, do your thing.
In other Leeds United news, a rival club chairman has called out the Whites following an announcement on Friday.