It’s been an interesting time at Leeds United for Willy Gnonto – I have to admit, when we first signed him, I wasn’t sure what to make of him.
Obviously, we were in the Premier League and his role was that, very much of a bit-part player, though one who had a great amount of potential – already having represented Italy at youth level.
For the amount we paid for him – under £5 million, I did think that this was fine, especially as it looked like we could eventually make a profit on him, though I was a bit underwhelmed by the signing at the time. Like probably most of you, I was expecting us to sign a striker with pedigree, who could come in and start and, instead, we brought in a kid.
Though, obviously, our relegation to the Championship, gave him a chance to impress. I thought the timing (at least for him)of our relegation could not have come at a better time.
Obviously, it wasn’t great to go down, though it meant we could get rid of ‘dead wood’, rebuild and give youth a chance.
I had a feeling that we would be exciting at that level, especially with the likes’ of Dan James, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and obviously Gnonto. While two moved on, obviously, after a great season, the former and latter stepped up impressively last term.
Though, due to us bringing in Manor Solomon on loan – who was also highly impressive – it meant Gnonto’s chances in his favoured left-sided berth were limited, though he still performed well out of position.
A Role To Make His Own
Should we not sign anyone for the left side, then he would very likely be a regular starter and one who, in time, I think could prove to be effective for us as he begins to adapt to the Premier League.
I don’t see us being as attacking this season; given the level of competition, I think Daniel Farke will look to play more heavily on the counter-attack – a style of play that seems to suit Gnonto as well. Especially if we have James on the other side – their pace could really hurt opponents.
Gnonto also has trickery that can frustrate full-backs in the Premier League and he could be a great source of free-kicks for us; particularly in the opponent’s half. Also, with the likes’ of Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach, we have great height to take advantage of deliveries into the box.
So, definitely, Gnonto could be an effective weapon for us in the top flight this season, though I would like to see him among the goals. Certainly, I can see him creating chances – especially with his ability to get in behind around the full-back and into the box, while his off-the-ball movement can cause many different problems.
It will be interesting to see how he takes to life back in the Premier League after a small taste a couple of years ago, though I think his game has definitely improved since. He could be an interesting prospect!
