Wilfried Gnonto to face mentality test amid ‘Really Important’ Leeds United claim
Andy Hinchcliffe says Willy Gnonto faces a test of mentality as he tries to establish his place in the Leeds United starting line-up.
The winger has made 27 Championship appearances this term, starting 20 of those and scoring four goals and contributing five assists.
However, of late the 21-year-old has had to settle more often than not for coming on from the bench with Daniel Farke making Dan James his preferred option on the right-hand side.
Speaking on the Essential EFL podcast (23 January, 23:25), Sky Sports pundit Hinchcliffe admitted Gnonto hasn’t had the season expected as he said: “I think a lot of us maybe expected him to become more of the main man for Leeds when Summerville left, Rutter left, I think we thought right this is Willy Gnonto’s time here to shine.
“But actually, Daniel Farke brought in Largie Ramazani, Manor Solomon’s joined as well so there’s competition for places. Dan James is now the first choice on that right-hand side where Gnonto usually plays.
“The expectation was there for him to be the main man, the competition has become stiffer for him to get into the team and I noticed he’s only started one of the last six games.
“So I’m not saying that Daniel Farke doesn’t trust him or rely on him as much but he seems to be using him more off the bench. I think his first choice now is kind of Solomon and Ramazani as understudy down the left, Dan James is the first choice with Gnonto starting the odd game and maybe coming off the bench possibly as well.
“So I think this is a really important season for him because he faces a stiffer challenge than he would’ve probably expected. He would’ve presumed that he was going to be in this team game in and game out whether it be on the right or on the left and that has not transpired so again it’s a test of his mentality. We know his ability.”
Willy Gnonto can still have an impact for Leeds United
After starting the season in the team constantly, Farke’s decision to make Gnonto more of a substitution player seems like a bit of a strange decision and the youngster will no doubt be disappointed about this.
It is hard to argue that he should come back into the side right now as Leeds are winning games and remain at the top of the Championship which is exactly what they’re aiming for this term.
Furthermore, James has also contributed goals throughout the campaign backing up his involvement in the squad.
Nevertheless, if the Whites are going to see their push for automatic promotion through until the end of the season, the boss will have the utilise every member of his squad both for rotation purposes and also to offer different dimensions to his side.
It must be frustrating for the young winger currently but as Hinchcliffe says, if he can keep his mind in the right place then he will be ready to prove Farke wrong and show what he can offer when called upon.
In other Leeds United news, fans at Elland Road will absolutely love what Georginio Rutter said about Manchester United.
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