Leeds United
Leeds United’s attention shifts back to Premier League action this week, with a tough trip to the Midlands awaiting them as they prepare to face Aston Villa on Saturday.
Villa ran out 2-1 winners at Elland Road in November, a result that came just before Daniel Farke made a key tactical tweak, one that ultimately sparked a turnaround in Leeds’ campaign.
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But this feels like a different Leeds side heading to Villa Park. In recent months, they’ve shown real resilience, particularly away from home, and have developed a reputation for being much harder to break down on their travels.
Leeds have a few injury issues, which could lead to Daniel Farke making a few big decisions, and one of them could seal the fate of Wilfried Gnonto at Leeds.
Daniel Farke could bring the curtain down on Wilfried Gnonto at Leeds at Villa Park
Gnonto has not started a Premier League game since the end of November and has firmly become a bench option in the Leeds squad over the last few months.
His performance against Birmingham City in the FA Cup was nothing to write home about, and Leeds will be open to offers for him in the summer transfer window.
However, injuries to Noah Okafor and Wilfried Gnonto have led to suggestions that Gnonto could get a rare chance to start a league game on Sunday.
Farke is expected to provide an update on the fitness of the winger duo later today, but there is a real chance both could miss the game against Villa.
And the Leeds boss could provide a huge marker on what could happen with Gnonto with his team selection at Villa Park on Saturday.
If the Italian winger is again on the bench on Saturday, it would be safe to suggest that the winger is on his way out of Elland Road next summer.
Gnonto does not have a future at Elland Road
Right now, it feels like the 22-year-old winger’s time at Leeds has stalled. He’s not starting games anymore, and the substitute appearances he’s been handed haven’t really been convincing enough to push his way back into the XI.
With the team no longer built around traditional wingers for creativity, Gnonto has gradually slipped down the pecking order, and there’s little to suggest that situation is going to change any time soon.
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
Daniel Farke’s desire to keep the squad together was probably the main reason a move didn’t happen in January.
However, the summer presents a different picture. It might be the right time for Gnonto to seek a fresh challenge and try to rediscover the form that once made him one of the club’s most exciting young talents.
A parting of ways could suit everyone. It’s hard to see him becoming a key figure at Elland Road again, and if Leeds manage to bring in a healthy transfer fee, it would give them useful funds heading into what looks set to be another crucial rebuild.