Lee Bowyer wowed by Willy Gnonto after previously being 'disappointed' with him at Leeds United

Lee Bowyer has been pleased with the recent performances of Willy Gnonto for Leeds United in their bid for promotion.

Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday (23 February, 08:55am), the former Whites midfielder said the Italian international wasn't the player he expected him to be at the start of the campaign and that he was "disappointed" with him.

But he admitted that the 20-year-old winger has "come alive" lately and started scoring goals alongside Crysencio Summerville, who he believes has been "unreal" at Elland Road.

“The thing I’ve been happy with Leeds of late, obviously Summerville’s been unreal for Leeds this season scoring goals, but Gnonto has just come alive," said Bowyer.

"At the start of the season, he wasn’t the same player that I expected him to be and I was disappointed with him. But of late, he’s come alive and started scoring goals as well. I think they’re in a very good place at the moment Leeds.” 

Willy Gnonto could be key to Leeds United promotion bid

It was a difficult first few months of the season for Gnonto after he saw a move away from Leeds blocked and then lost his place in the side following his injury.

The winger had to sit back and watch the likes of Summerville and Dan James put in excellent performances, while he was made to settle for appearances off the bench.

But he's been handed an opportunity in the starting lineup in recent weeks at Elland Road and he's grabbed it with both hands.

The Italian has now scored four goals and laid on one assist in his last five outings as he looks to have nailed down a regular spot in the side.

Daniel Farke will be hoping he can maintain his current form over the next few months as he could play a key role in helping the Whites secure promotion back to the Premier League.

In other Leeds United news, Jesse Marsch shared a “heartbroken” Whites admission live on Sky Sports. 

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