New Wilfried Gnonto twist emerges at Leeds United after Elland Road news
Graham Smyth believes that Wilfried Gnonto has been delivered another hurdle to overcome at Leeds United amid a recent injury update.
In the absence of Dan James, the 20-year-old winger has been given the opportunity to prove himself on Leeds’ right flank and has done exactly that, netting twice in four appearances.
However, after the news that the Welshman has returned from injury, confirmed by Daniel Farke in his press conference on Monday (12 February), Gnonto is set for another challenge at Elland Road.
Writing for the Yorkshire Evening Post on Tuesday (13 February), Smyth said: “The next twist in Gnonto’s story is an expected one and it comes in the form of James’ return to fitness. This brings a new challenge for the younger man.
“Having spent the season chasing the free-scoring and reliable Welsh international, Gnonto is now the one being pursued and that is a wholly different pressure. He now has something – a starting place – to lose.”
Leeds United challenge for Wilfriend Gnonto
Considering James’ form this season, it is only a matter of time until Farke reverts to starting the Wales international on the right wing again.
With Crysencio Summerville flying on the opposite flank, there is little room for Gnonto, so a fight for the right-wing spot is expected to ensue, which should show the youngster’s true colours.
Gnonto has already thrown his toys out of the pram once this season, having handed in a transfer request and being exiled from Farke’s first-team training. However, he has come a long way since and seems to have matured.
The Italy international is certainly a dangerous forward and has deserved his spot in the starting XI, not just because James has been unavailable. But there is no arguing that the latter has been in the form of his career and needs to continue it as the Whites aim for Premier League promotion.
With a winning strike during a 1-0 Championship win over Bristol City, and the opening goal during Leeds’ 4-1 FA Cup victory against Plymouth, there is no chance Gnonto will be happy with a place on the bench, but that is what Farke will love.
And Leeds fans should be excited to have so much competition for one position, with their team showing no signs of letting up in the pursuit of Premier League football next season.
In other Leeds United news, Danny Rohl has admitted that Ian Poveda was desperate to leave Elland Road in January
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