Many Leeds United supporters will wish to see Wilfried Gnonto start at number 10 after the international break given his showing against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. The Italian made an instinct impact and it was his ball through to Daniel James that ultimately led to Jayden Bogle’s equaliser.
But he did far more afterwards. He was darting about between the lines, spreading the ball, pulling off flicks and generally being a nuisance for the QPR defence.
It was no surprise to see fans vote him as United’s man of the match despite only coming on for Brenden Aaronson at half-time. The American had given the ball away for the first goal and had drifted through the rest of the half.
Daniel Farke admitted he cut a disappointed figure in the changing rooms at half-time, and his mood may have been cast lower when he learned he would be taken off. That’s now eight games without a goal or assist for Aaronson and just one goal contribution in 14 outings.
That he has been omitted from the US squad for this fortnight’s Concacaf Nations League matches will only add to his low ebb but it is probably the best thing for Leeds. Aaronson has begun the last 36 straight league games, Farke stating he is not worried about fatigue.
But that has to play a part in his current malaise, despite his good natural fitness. A much-needed rest is now here and perhaps he was one player Farke had in mind when he said the international break would be beneficial for his squad.
It might also mean, though, that he starts against Swansea City in the first game back. Farke had admitted Aaronson is the only specialist number 10 at his disposal, albeit pointed to Gnonto, Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe as cover options there.
The manager is a massive fan of Aaronson’s work rate and general tenacity. That alone cannot be enough, though, as recent weeks have shown.
Farke is aware of it too, and had thoughts of swapping Aaronson out for Gnonto in the build-up to the QPR match. He was also kept up until the early hours deciding whether to place Ilia Gruev ahead of Joe Rothwell as a result.
It was a surprise to see Rothwell start at Loftus Road given the midfielder had come off with a stiff knee following his magnificent display against Millwall on Wednesday. It was the first away game he had started since January.
Prior to Saturday’s match, Gruev had started the last five away games following his return from injury. Farke said the Bulgarian gives the defence extra protection on the road where Leeds are not guaranteed to have as much dominance as they would at home.
If Gruev started, then Gnonto may well have begun the match, Farke admitted afterwards. He kicked himself for not going with his gut and for being “greedy”.
The reason he did not start Gnonto with Rothwell in midfield is because that the midfielder and Ao Tanaka are “ballers” and so he needed Aaronson to do the leg work. Once United went 2-0 down then there was no need for a defensive midfield substitute but there was need for a fresh change at number 10.
Farke went on to underline that Gnonto is not a natural number 10 and needs to do a bit more running but that he is learning the role and he himself was “convinced Willy would make this impact”. If he does start in future matches, it might be that Gruev also does, alongside Tanaka - for away games at least.
This central duo would risk a lack of attacking drive from midfield, as seen in the first half against Sheffield United and most prominently during the defeat to Portsmouth. Farke must be sure Gnonto could make up for that.
Saturday gave a hint that he could. It further showed how Rothwell can Gnonto fare once played together - great going forward but still a bit loose when defending the counter.
So, food for thought. It seems those wishing for Gnonto to start may have to accept Gruev coming in for Rothwell given Farke’s theology.