Someone please inform Javi Gracia that Leeds United have one of the 20 most promising young players in European football in their squad – and his name is Willy Gnonto.
Spanish outlet Sport have compiled a list of the best prospects playing on the continent. There is a bit of artistic license used – Barcelona-linked Vitor Roque, for example, is included despite not yet playing in Europe – but some of the obvious names have been mentioned.
For example, both Jude Bellingham and Gavi unsurprisingly make the cut. Meanwhile, the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Youssoufa Moukoko are included.
But there is also a place for Willy Gnonto in the running.
Willy Gnonto named as one of Europe’s best youngsters
Of course, Javi Gracia is probably not going to take any notice of how highly Sport rate one of his players.
But it does provide a further reminder of what a talent Leeds have on their hands – and we do need that, having not seen Gnonto properly for some time.
When Gracia was appointed, Gnonto was in the midst of a dip in form. He was electric when he – eventually – came into the side under Jesse Marsch.
Gracia’s treatment of Italian almost baffling at this stage
So you could understand when Gracia took him off first in his first game in charge. And the decision was vindicated with Leeds getting their winner later in the game.
However, Gracia’s use of Gnonto has completely tested the patience of those of us who have fully backed the Spaniard.
And the situation seemed to come to a head on Tuesday night. Gnonto was left on the bench in Leeds’ must-win clash with Leicester at Elland Road.
On paper, it was the Whites’ easiest game remaining. But Gracia decided against using Gnonto – despite only making two of the five changes he was able to make.
Leeds were unable to find a winner. And Gracia made a big statement with how he used the Italian. Certainly, using him against Bournemouth this weekend will come across as bowing to the pressure because he is yet to provide an indication that he really rates Gnonto.
Let’s just hope Wednesday’s edition of Sport ends up on Gracia’s desk at Thorp Arch before the trip to the south coast – as very little else seems to be working.