Daniel Farke says Leeds youngster has grown up since he arrived after very ‘difficult’ situation

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Last summer, it was hard to determine if Willy Gnonto would recover from his off-field actions at Leeds United. But fast forward six months to now, and the Italian winger is a man in excellent form.

After a breakthrough first season for Leeds in which the Italy star had a hand in eight goals last season, Gnonto asked to leave. He refused to play in games against Birmingham, Shrewsbury and West Brom.

Eventually, Gnonto stayed – Leeds remaining fiercely opposed to a sale, and refusing to give in to his demands. Or at least, his agents. He has since changed representation. But game time was still limited.

Perhaps, a lesson from Daniel Farke – but also, the form of Dan James and Cree Summerville kept the pocket-sized attacker sidelined. But after the turn of the year, Gnonto has won his place back in the XI.

James has been injured for the last few games, and the Wales star is now fit again for Swansea – his old side. Farke was asked about Gnonto in his pre-match press conference, on the club’s official YouTube.

“It’s never easy when you have expectations and there’s a lot of noise. He was 19 when this situation happened, when the spotlight is on him. When I was 19, there was no social media or mobiles. My life was much easier at this age. I could make mistakes and no-one would realise this,” Farke exclaimed.

“When you have to be perfect at this age, it is so so difficult in the spotlight. But they have to grow up. Willy has done this. Tough times help you in the good times. He’s more settled, confident, enjoys being in this roles. Recently, he has been involved a lot – everyone is singing his name. I’m delighted for him.”

Daniel Farke raves about Willy Gnonto; Leeds star grows up

It is great to see Gnonto re-asserting himself for the Leeds cause. But those at Leeds must not forget what he did, and what he is capable of doing in the future. Failure to get promoted, and he’ll want to go.

Euro 2024 is a doubt now for Gnonto, who has been dropped by Italy’s senior side – or at least, he was in the previous international break. He knows he needs to be playing at the top level to win his place.

Premier League, or Serie A football is key to that. Gnonto will want to leave if we don’t get promoted – but for Leeds, that means he will be giving his all to do it with Leeds, by gaining promotion this season.