Leeds United enjoyed a fantastic week last week, with the title won on Saturday, the awards evening was then held on the Sunday, before the parade on Monday.
It marked the ending of a fabulous campaign for Daniel Farke and co. who are now enjoying a well-earned holiday for their efforts in getting to 100 points and celebrating in style via three open-top buses heading through a city centre packed out with fans.
During the awards, the likes of Ao Tanaka won the Players’ Player of the Season and the Goal of the Season awards, while Dan James won Player of the Season from the Leeds fans. Willy Gnonto was also crowned as Young Player of the Season for his efforts.
Following an injury to Dan James, the Italian was reinstated into the team to end the season. He started each of the final five games and scored three times in that period, including an outstanding Leeds performance at home to Stoke City with Gnonto and Jayden Bogle tearing up the right-hand side.
- READ MORE: Leeds United player ratings for the season as Dan James and Ao Tanaka shine but only one gets 10/10
Crysencio Summerville’s message to Willy Gnonto
Gnonto had a fairly stop-start season in all. He managed 15 goal involvements in just 2280 minutes of football, working out at a goal or assist every 152 minutes. His award was earned for that reason.
Six of his contributions came in the first nine league games of the season and a further four came in the last run of eight games. That means the other five came in the middle portion of the season of 26 games. But the two purple patches at the start and end underlined his quality.
Last year, he was the third man of Leeds’ young attacking trio, which included the brilliance of Georginio Rutter and the inevitability of Crysencio Summerville. They outshone him but Gnonto has been able to take more of the limelight in patches of the current season, in spite of Manor Solomon’s good form alongside James.
The Dutch winger joined West Ham United where injuries have hampered his campaign. However, he and Gnonto struck up a close friendship in West Yorkshire. He has since reacted to Gnonto’s Young Player of the Season award.
Speaking on his Instagram story, Summerville wrote: “LiL bro proud of you” and he also quoted Isaiah 43:19 which says: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
It’s a lovely message and shows that they are still close despite Summerville’s departure in 2024. They were teammates last year but will be coming up against one another next season in the Premier League, unless Leeds cash in on Gnonto for a PSR boost.
Willy Gnonto’s Leeds United career goals and assists
The Italian is a versatile attacker who has been utilised from the left, down the right, but also as more of an attacking midfielder this season. His best role is probably down the left, even though he and Bogle struck up a good understanding down the right.
The 21-year-old has enormous potential and may even be served better playing in the Premier League, with his speed and quick thinking likely to be more important in transition in the Premier League, but it remains to be seen just how high his exact ceiling is.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 – Premier League | 28 | 4 | 4 |
| 2023/24 – Championship | 44 | 9 | 3 |
| 2024/25 – Championship | 46 | 9 | 6 |
Gnonto has played an incredible number of minutes for someone of his age, which highlights him as a player needing to find regular starts to gain rhythm heading into next season. He has plenty to offer to Leeds if they can find the best way to get the most out of him.
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