Daniel Farke must unleash ‘insanely good’ Leeds United player in new position after Liverpool draw
A tactical change from Daniel Farke has transformed Leeds United’s chances of avoiding relegation in the space of a week.
It started when Farke changed Leeds’ formation to a 5-3-2 at half-time of their clash against Manchester City, almost inspiring an incredible second-half comeback.
Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin brought the Whites back onto level terms before a stoppage-time winner from Phil Foden broke their hearts with a 3-2 defeat.
Momentum continued on Wednesday night, though, as Leeds secured a massive 3-1 win over Chelsea, following strikes from Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka and Calvert Lewin.
That lifted spirits and hope of achieving victory against Liverpool, something they almost managed on Saturday evening.
Wilfried Gnonto helps inspire Leeds comeback vs Liverpool
In a fascinating contest at Elland Road, it looked as though Leeds would suffer defeat when Hugo Ekitike’s quick-fire double put the visitors 2-0 up.
But Arne Slot’s men always give the opposition hope, and that started when Ibrahima Konate conceded a penalty after his flailing leg caught substitute Wilfried Gnonto in the box.
Calvert-Lewin comfortably converted the spot kick, before Anton Stach slammed home an equaliser moments later.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s 80th-minute strike then looked to have put the Whites to bed, though Tanaka came off the bench to fire home a 96th-minute equaliser to secure a priceless point.
| Wilfried Gnonto’s stats vs Liverpool |
| 25 minutes played |
| 9/9 accurate passes (100%) |
| 1 dribble |
| 2 fouls drawn |
| 2/3 ground duels won |
Farke deserved a pat on the back for his substitutions against the Reds, including the decision to replace Noah Okafor with Gnonto, who used his low centre of gravity and speed to win a penalty.
Daniel Farke should use Gnonto as a striker
Gnonto was a game-changer against Liverpool, utilising his speed and agility to get Leeds motoring on the counterattack.
He was much more impactful than Okafor, who replaced the injured Lukas Nmecha on Saturday evening, but failed to have the desired impact.
The Swiss international didn’t have a shot on goal after the fifth minute and was brought off for Gnonto on the hour mark.
Ahead of their visit to Brentford on Sunday, Farke should drop Okafor and trial his Italian counterpart as a second striker alongside Calvert-Lewin.
Gnonto has predominantly been used as a winger at Leeds, but has operated as a centre-forward in the past and has the upper body strength, ability in possession and pace to peel off Calvert-Lewin.
So, if Nmecha isn’t available against the Bees, surely it’s worth using the ‘insanely good’ Gnonto in a central role since there are no winger spots in his formation.
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