Leeds United had a poor run in front of goal over the past few months before Noah Okafor returned. The winger coming back into the lineup has given Daniel Farke a huge boost.
Okafor has been sensational since his return, contributing five goal contributions in his last five games. His pace and directness has helped the attack come to life in recent weeks. The Swiss international has played so well that he has earned a nomination for Premier League Player of the Month for April. Fans were not convinced about the winger when he initially joined, but he has become a very important part of the team.
Daniel Farke must start Leeds star against Burnley
Leeds have a very important game coming up on Friday as they face Burnley at Elland Road. Daniel Farke’s side could clinch safety if they manage a win and their relegation rivals slip up. The Whites are being handed a massive advantage by playing before the other teams at the bottom of the table.
Going into the Burnley clash, Farke needs to make one big change to the team. Brenden Aaronson’s miss at Wembley continues his poor form in this team, and at this point of the season, he has to be dropped. And there is no better option than Wilfried Gnonto. In the same way Okafor has provided a spark on the left, Gnonto can give a similar impact on the left. The Italian can dribble, cross and get into the box. If he was in Aaronson’s place in the semi-final during that chance, you would bet him to convert that chance. Farke must put his bias aside and play Gnonto after leaving him out for most of the season.
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Brenden Aaronson has been ineffective for weeks
There is no doubt that Aaronson has been a useful piece in this team when Daniel Farke shifted to the new system. His work rate and ability to carry the ball in central areas have been really useful. But overall, he has been a net negative in the team – whenever Leeds need a goal, he is never the one to depend on. Aaronson has multiple times this season where he has fluffed his lines, especially in recent games against Manchester City and this past Sunday at Wembley.
Putting someone like Gnonto out wide will be a better way to utilize the Italian. Aaronson has zero threat out wide and is better used in midfield or just behind the striker. An effective attacking player in that role would serve the team much better in the final games of the season.
