Latest News

Leeds United make “strange” Wilfried Gnonto decision as six-week break looms

|
Image for Leeds United make “strange” Wilfried Gnonto decision as six-week break looms

Leeds United‘s Wilfried Gnonto is flying off on international duty with Italy this week.

The call-up comes in the wake of the Yorkshire Evening Post reporting that Leeds and Jesse Marsch feel as though Illan Meslier, who has played every minute of Premier League action so far this season, would be “better served with a break ahead of the club’s mid-season training camp and friendly fixtures.”

Meslier was called-up to France Under-21 squad but Leeds blocked the move. This was also something the club were reportedly keen to exercise for Luis Sinsterra before he picked up an injury.

His national side, Colombia, play against Paraguay on November 19 in the United States, and according to a report from Win Sports, Sinisterra was not to be involved, with Leeds choosing to reject the request.

Gnonto has been granted permission, though.

Quiz: 15 questions all about Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto – Can you score 100%?

1 of 15

Who did Leeds sign Gnonto from?

Gnonto has been selected for action by the Italian national team boss Roberto Mancini for their upcoming friendlies against Albania and Austria later this month. The 19-year-old has been included in a 31-man-squad.

Despite the rejection of Meslier’s inclusion, the Italian will be heading off on duty alongside Leeds’ other World Cup call ups. Leeds had the choice of rejecting any international call up outside of the World Cup ones. The likes of Rasmus Kristensen (Denmark), Tyler Adams (USA), and Brenden Aaronson (USA) will be jetting off to Qatar this week.

Meanwhile Gnonto will be hoping to add to his six caps in fixtures against Albania (Wednesday, 16 November) and Austria (Sunday, 20 November).

Leeds fans will be delighted for the 19-year-old, who has recently made it into Jesse Marsch’s first-team picture.

However, the move is a strange one, given Leeds’ stance on other players in the squad. The Whites’ position in the Premier League remains precarious and having the squad together over the break may have made more sense.

Gnonto will benefit from international experience, but may have benefitted more from further integration with the Leeds senior squad. His assist against Bournemouth showed what he is capable of, and how beneficial he can be in this system in transition.

There is still a long way to go for him, though, despite his enormous potential. Leeds may regret not giving him some time off and then bedding him in further over the break, as they are doing with everyone else.

Should Gnonto be starting for the first-team?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Share this article