As Jesse Marsch discussed in his post-match interview following Wednesday night’s defeat to champions Manchester City, he will be looking at some of the positives to take from his side’s return to Premier League action.
One of these positives from the clash at Elland Road, undoubtedly, will be the spark Wilfried Gnonto brings to the Leeds attack.
The 19-year old Italian international again showed off his impressive speed and skill despite Leeds never really getting a tight grip on the contest. Leeds fans got a taste of his tricky footwork and creativity, and saw his ability to cut inside from wide positions and mount pressure on opposition defenders. The confidence and boldness he plays with at such a young age is a sign of great things to come, and fans will be hoping he can cement his position in the Leeds attack as the season goes on.
Leeds fans had to wait until late October before getting to see the youngster wearing the white shirt, when he came off the bench to play a pivotal role in creating Crysencio Summerville’s dramatic winning goal against Liverpool in a famous 2-1 victory at Anfield.
Just a week later, Gnonto replaced Jack Harrison at half-time as the Whites trailed at home to Bournemouth, leading to a performance which saw him help Leeds secure a nail-biting comeback win. Gnonto again played a key part in a Summerville winner, as his assist set the season record for the longest ball-carry leading to a Premier League goal (58 metres), as reported by Leeds Live.
While it did take a little while for Gnonto to get his chance in the first team, you would have to imagine that he’s going nowhere soon. Despite a promising start to the Premier League campaign for Jack Harrison the winger has struggled with some injuries and consistency. With a lot of football left to play this season, and head coach Marsch seemingly determined to utilise the younger talent in the dressing room, Leeds fans can expect to see a lot more of Gnonto, and will be hoping he can continue to cause problems for defenders.