Clinton Morrison is surprised that Javi Gracia hasn’t given more minutes to Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto, amidst the relegation run-in.
Since an injury sustained on international duty with Italy, Gnonto has barely been involved for Leeds.
The Whites forward started and assisted a goal against Wolves prior to that injury; but since his return to the first-team frame, he has only come on as a substitute for small cameos.
Gnonto was an unused substitute against Nottingham Forest and has played 30 minutes or less in each of his last three appearances from the bench.
Gracia has instead opted for the likes of Jack Harrison, Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, and Crysencio Summerville in the roles behind the striker over the 19-year-old.
Quiz: 15 questions all about Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto – Can you score 100%?
What are the pundits saying about Gnonto’s omission for Leeds?
Clinton Morrison spoke on Sky Sports News after the recent 2-1 loss to Fulham to give his verdict, and offered his thoughts on the biggest surprise for Leeds in the game, he said: “You know what surprises me with Leeds? Gnonto.
“We were talking about how exceptional he’s been, he doesn’t play him Javi Gracia.”
Morrison explained that his dynamism in isolated situations has always been a strong reason for him to start, as he had been doing under Jesse Marsch, he added: “He’s a winger who wants to take people on, under the old manager he was starting week in, week out.”
The Italian has four goals and three assists in his first season in the Premier League and has quickly become a fan favourite at Elland Road, he continued: “Leeds fans were excited about him.”
Gnonto is one of the best players at the club, and simply has to start for the remainder of the run-in.
He is not only dynamic, but inventive, and will take games by the scruff of the neck; you need that in a relegation battle.
The Whites will always leak goals, which means winning games is largely down to outscoring the opposition. Leeds need to do that now and Gnonto is an obvious choice in fixing that problem.
The club should not be in a position where there is such pressure on a 19-year-old to perform, but that is the reality. Gnonto is probably the club’s best and most important attacker alongside Sinisterra. Getting them in the line-up somewhere is imperative to survival.
Will Leeds keep Gnonto this summer?
Yes
No
