Former England striker Jermain Defoe has challenged Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto to add more goals to his game. Gnonto was in and out of the Whites starting line-up last season as the Whites sealed a Premier League return.
With Lukas Nmecha joining on a free transfer on July 1 to bolster their attacking options, it will be interesting to see whether Gnonto can nail down a regular starting place in Daniel Farke's team next season. Speaking ahead of Italy Under-21s European Championship quarter-final meeting with Germany last night, ex-West Ham United, Spurs and Sunderland striker Defoe described Gnonto as a "matchwinner" but claimed the 21-year-old should be more clinical in front of goal with the talent he possesses.
Gnonto grabbed nine goals and six assists for the Whites during the 2024/25 season, with Daniel Farke's troops beating Burnley to the title on goal difference after accumulating a century of points. When asked about Gnonto, Defoe told Channel 4: “Definitely a handful. He’s a matchwinner, smart, strong. Willing runner, scored goals. Someone I believe can score more goals.”
Things did not go according to plan for Gnonto in Italy's clash against Germany on Sunday evening. The speedy winger left the pitch in tears after being sent off for two bookable offences in the 80th minute with the score at 1-1. Mattia Zanotti also saw red as the Italians were dumped out of the tournament.
Germany prevailed 3-2 after extra time to set up a last four encounter with France. England take on Netherlands in the other semi-final.
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