Daniel Farke may have a difficult selection decision to make if Dan James is not fit to take his place in the Leeds United squad for their trip to Wolves.
Dan James made a short cameo from the bench as Leeds fell to an unfortunate defeat against Fulham, before he left the field with an injury late on in the game.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke admitted that James is a doubt for their next game against Wolves, as they look to replicate their Rodrigo Moreno-inspired win on their last visit in 2023.
Farke handed a surprise start to Brenden Aaronson for the trip to Fulham, and the American impressed with his work-rate but lacked cutting-edge in the final third, as Leeds drew another blank.
The Leeds fans chanted the name of Willy Gnonto when Jack Harrison was introduced against Fulham, and Farke must place his trust in the fan favourite if James is unavailable for the trip to Wolves, as Leeds search for their first goal of the season from open play.
Leeds United winger Willy Gnonto
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Willy Gnonto deserves a recall to the Leeds United first-team
Ally McCoist criticised Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Leeds failed to find the net. However, Leeds’ entire forward unit lacked penetration, as their number nine was forced to feed off scraps for the majority of the game.
Although it is too early to describe the game against Wolves as a must-win game, it presents a golden opportunity to pick up points away from home for Leeds, and Farke cannot afford to be overly conservative.
Gnonto has started three of Leeds’ four Premier League games so far this season and, according to FotMob, he averages the second-most shots per 90 minutes this season, behind Anton Stach.
Willy Gnonto – 25/26 Stats Total
Expected Goals 0.17
Shots 5
Shots per 90 2.3
Touches in Opposition Box 4
Chances Created 1
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The Italian forward also has a higher overall xG than both Aaronson and Harrison, who appear to be the frontrunners to start at Molineux.
With seventeen goals and nine assists across Leeds’ two seasons in the Championship, Gnonto has proven that he can unlock defences. Although he may reduce Leeds’ efficiency in defence, Farke needs to trust him with goals proving difficult to come by.
Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto
Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Gnonto can become a regular under Daniel Farke
Gnonto burst onto the scene on Leeds’ last spell in the top flight, scoring a brilliant goal in a 2-2 draw against West Ham to announce his arrival at Elland Road.
A brilliant scissor kick in the FA Cup against Cardiff hinted that the Whites had uncovered a bargain; however, his progress has stalled somewhat since then, after appearing destined for the very top.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of the game against Fulham, Gnonto admitted that he is embracing the increased competition for a place, following the arrival of Noah Okafor.
“Obviously, when you play in the Premier League, you are going to have competition,” Gnonto said, “You have good players and you can’t do anything to stop this. I’m quite focused on myself and am sure of my abilities. I’m just happy for him. I know he’s a good player.”
If he can score to hand Leeds a victory against Wolves, he can finally establish himself as a Premier League regular, which appeared to be a certainty when he last played in the top flight.