Leeds United have turned their focus back to Premier League duties this week, with a trip to the Midlands on the horizon to face Aston Villa on Saturday.
Villa edged a 2-1 win at Elland Road back in November, and it came just before Daniel Farke tweaked his system, a change that ended up transforming Leeds’ season.
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This time around, though, it feels like a different Leeds side making the journey. Over the past few months, they’ve shown real grit, especially on the road, and have become a team that’s far tougher to break down away from home.
Leeds are dealing with a few injury issues ahead of taking on Aston Villa this weekend, and this could mean Wilfried Gnonto could get a chance to rekindle his career in the coming days.
Wilfried Gnonto could get a Leeds United lifeline against Aston Villa
Wilfried Gnonto has not started a Premier League game for Leeds since the end of November and was poor in the FA Cup win over Birmingham City last weekend.
He is expected to leave Leeds in the summer, with the club ready to cash in on him if they receive a big-money offer for him at the end of the season.
However, the Italian could be handed a real opportunity to rekindle his Leeds career against Aston Villa in the Midlands this weekend.
Noah Okafor is a major doubt after picking up a hamstring problem on Sunday, and Daniel James is struggling with a back issue after recovering from another injury.
The injuries to the two wingers could lead to Gnonto starting his first Premier League game for Leeds in months at Villa Park on Saturday.
Facundo Buonanotte is one more option, but even he looked very poor in the win over Birmingham City on Sunday.
Farke has a big decision to make on his team selection if Okafor and James are not ready to be in the squad against Aston Villa.
He will likely leave Leeds in the summer
At the moment, the 22-year-old winger’s career at Leeds feels like it has hit a standstill. He’s no longer starting matches, and the brief appearances he’s been given haven’t really done enough to force his way back into the side.
With Leeds no longer relying on traditional wingers for creativity, Gnonto seems to have slipped down the pecking order, and it’s hard to see that changing anytime soon.
Farke’s determination to keep the squad intact was likely the only reason a move didn’t materialise in the winter window.
Wilfried Gnonto Performances This Season – Attacking & Passing Stats
A detailed statistical breakdown of Wilfried Gnonto’s attacking output and passing contribution this season.
Attacking
Goals
Expected Goals (xG)
Scoring Frequency
Goals per Game
Total Shots
Shots on Target per Game
Big Chances Missed
Goal Conversion
Penalty Goals
Penalty Conversion
Free Kick Goals
Passing
Assists
Expected Assists (xA)
Touches
Big Chances Created
Key Passes
Accurate Passes
Acc. Own Half
Acc. Opposition Half
Long Balls (Accurate)
Accurate Chip Passes
Accurate Crosses
But the summer feels different. It may well be the right moment for Gnonto to move on, get a fresh start, and try to rediscover the spark that once made him such an exciting prospect.
For both parties, a clean break probably makes sense. It’s difficult to imagine him becoming a central figure at Elland Road again. If Leeds can secure a strong fee, it would provide valuable funds ahead of what promises to be another important summer of rebuilding.