Roberto Mancini wowed by the progress of ‘quality’ Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto
Italy manager Roberto Mancini has praised the progress of “quality” Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto and admitted more young players should follow his example of moving abroad to play football.
The Italian wonderkid has proven a sensational buy from the Whites ever since his surprise move to Elland Road last summer, going on to become one of the club’s most prized assets in so little time.
The 19-year-old, signed for £3.8m from FC Zurich, has gone on to record two goals and an assist in the Premier League this season, and he could well be included in Italy’s squad for the international matches in March.
Asked if the 19-year-old will be part of his plans this month, the former Manchester City manager [Tuttomercatoweb, 1 March] said of the player: “Maybe. Gnonto is a young boy, no one has thought of hiring him but he plays as a starter in the Premier League and that’s not a given at 19.
“He can still improve and he’s young, he has quality. I hope other young people can follow his example and go abroad to play. If they are good then they play”.
Superb decision
Gnonto was something of an unknown quantity amongst fans across the country, upon joining the Whites but in a little over six months, he’s gone on to become one of the Premier League’s most exciting teenagers.
The Whites have endured another torrid campaign in the English top flight, but they’ve certainly had something to shout about in possessing the 19-year-old, who is already a fully-fledged international making eight appearances for his country.
No doubt about it, the player is going to move on to bigger and better things in the future and it may be sooner rather than later if the Whites suffer relegation this season. The club could then make a huge profit if a big club comes calling.
For now, though, new Leeds boss Javi Gracia must ensure he provides the player with the tactical freedom and environment to mature even further as he is quite clearly the club’s best hope of avoiding relegation.
Mancini is right, more young players should back themselves and move abroad to gain regular first-team experience, Gnonto’s swift growth and ceiling right now are perfect examples.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites player did something “crazy” at the weekend that “stunned” BBC reporter Adam Pope.
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