Leeds United produced a rare solid away performance on Boxing Day when they ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium. The performance had control, defensive shape and the attacking verve and it came without Wilfried Gnonto in the starting eleven. The Italian only came on for a cameo later in the game when Leeds just had to see out the result.
Gnonto was a certainty in the Leeds lineup until recently this season and started 19 of the first 21 games for Daniel Farke’s side. However, he was struggling to score or create goals consistently and his performance levels were dropping.
He was dropped to the bench against Oxford United last week in favour of Manor Solomon who came into the starting eleven and marked the occasion with a goal and two assists in the 4-0 win at Elland Road.
It was no surprise that the Israeli winger kept his place in the team on Boxing Day and while he missed a golden opportunity to score, he produced another threatening performance on the left side of the front line.
Daniel James has continued to remain a massive threat on the right and for the moment, it seems Gnonto is facing a real fight to get into the starting eleven for Leeds amidst furious competition for places.
The Italy international is a supremely talented winger but a return of four goals and five assists this season is not good enough for a player of his ability.
Wilfried Gnonto faces a fight to get back in the team
With Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter leaving Leeds last summer, Wilfried Gnonto is a senior player in the squad now and has been expected to step up to the plate.
The winger really had a chance to replace Summerville’s impact on the team last season and put down a marker with his performances this season.
However, his output has not been good enough for a player with his experience and ability and the Italian has flattered to deceive in the ongoing campaign.
He should have been grabbing the Championship by the scruff of it’s neck like Summerville did last season and showing why he deserves to play in the Premier League.
But those performances have never arrived this season and Gnonto now finds himself looking in from the outside after Solomon grabbed his chance in the last two games.
Leeds also have Largie Ramazani in the squad and the competition for places is so tough in the wide areas that the winger needs to make the most of the opportunities he receives from the bench.
He needs to make it count the next time he is in the starting eleven
The quick turnover time between games in the next few days means Farke would be forced to rotate his squad and Solomon is a player for his injury issues.
Gnonto could get a chance to feature in the starting eleven sooner than expected due to the need for squad rotation and to keep things fresh for the rest of the season.
He is an experienced player and Farke would depend on him in some games, which would allow him to earn the Leeds manager’s trust back with his performances.
Whether he gets a start against Derby on Sunday or at home against Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Day, Gnonto needs to make his count this time around.
Farke has several wide players to choose from in his squad and the Italy winger cannot afford to not have any impact on games without facing any consequences.
Solomon is providing more verve and threat on the left-hand side and James has been a model of consistency on the right in the last few games.
The next time Gnonto is in the starting eleven, he needs to show his attacking talents to ensure he remains in the team going forward.
