‘From the first moment’… Daniel Farke says he has always had so much faith in 20-year-old Leeds United player

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Daniel Farke has shared his verdict on the form of Willy Gnonto after Leeds United’s 1-0 win at Bristol City last night.

Gnonto was, perhaps surprisingly, given the nod to start in place of the injured Dan James ahead of Jaidon Anthony, despite a real struggle for form in recent weeks.

But that proved to be an inspired decision by Farke as Gnonto’s first goal since August just a couple of minutes into the second half was the difference between the two teams.

In what was only his third league start in fourth months, Gnonto visibly grew in confidence after his goal and will now be looking to use this as the catalyst to kick start his season.

Gnonto, of course, has had to overcome the hangover that spanned from the incident surrounding his future in the summer, but speaking after the game, Farke says he has always been ‘fully convinced’ about what he could bring to the squad after conversations with him.

Farke has always had full faith in Gnonto

He said: “First of all, it’s not me who has to be praised, it’s Willy Gnonto. Fully convinced of him in the summer. Spoke fully about the reasons. Worked with him and backed and trusted him. Difficult times for him in August.

“We spoke with him and it’s a period you have to go through. Work and be on it. Sadly out for a few weeks. Be there with a goal and an assist. We just can train him and bring him to the door before he steps through it. That was my view from the first moment, he would be central this season.”

Even despite his antics in the summer, Gnonto’s season could have panned out a whole lot differently if not for the form of those ahead of him – Crysencio Summerville and James.

Both have 35 goal contributions between them this season and it has just made it impossible for Gnonto to be able to string together a run of starts at Elland Road.

However, James‘ recent injury handed him the opportunity to stake a claim last night, which he more than took, and it is fair to say his teammates recognised how important that moment could be for him.