As the season has gone on, Daniel Farke has preferred a group of players in this Leeds team. 10 new signings in the summer meant the team took some time before they could gel.
It explained why a lot of players had spells on the bench before getting into the first team. James Justin and Jaka Bijol took around two months into the season before becoming regulars in the team. Farke’s man management has been in question since he took over at Elland Road. And sometimes he makes decisions and sticks with them without any explanations. This season has seen a lot of players come in and out of the lineup for different reasons. But his decisions seem to have paid off now that the club are close to safety.
Dominic Matteo shares thoughts on Leeds star
Former Leeds star Dominic Matteo has said that he feels Wilfried Gnonto is ”frustrated” at Elland Road this season. He also added that the winger should have played more during this campaign.
“I think he has been more of an impact player this season, and he’s probably been frustrated about that. I’ve met him at quite a few events and a few things we’ve worked on, and he’s a really good, really positive guy.” Matteo said (quotes via TEAMtalk).
“He’s certainly got the ability, he’s got a lot of pace, and obviously, he’s an Italian international.
“But I think the fans are probably thinking, ‘Is he a starter at the moment? Probably not’.”
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Wilfried Gnonto has been criminally underused this season
Gnonto has started just seven of his 24 games in all competitions this season. And that has been much less that last season where the Italian was a rotation option off the bench. This season, Dan James and Brenden Aaronson have been used more as traditional wide players. James has been injured and unfit for most of the season and Aaronson is now being used in central areas. A player with his pace and directness should be playing more in this side.
Wilfried Gnonto is at a crossroads heading into the summer; he is not really close to the first team and could have suitors this summer. According to reports, Serie A clubs want to bring him back. Leeds moving forward with the 3-5-2 also harms his chances of being a big part of the first team moving forward.
READ MORE: Daniel Farke “ready to sacrifice” Leeds United fan favourite this summer
