Willy Gnonto has had an interesting season to say the least for Leeds United and Italy’s U-21 team.
The Leeds United forward won promotion and Gnonto also won the Young Player of the Season award for his efforts.
Having been dropped midway through the season, Gnonto had to work his way back in. Crysencio Summerville is delighted with Gnonto’s progress but his season didn’t end there.
The truth is, Gnonto has had a below-par tournament for Italy U-21s in Slovakia. It’s not entirely been his fault, having been utilised as a striker or attacking midfielder and out of position in some games.
Mateo Joseph and Gnonto played one another already but it was Germany who dumped the Italian’s out after extra time on Sunday night.
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Leeds United fans react to Willy Gnonto’s Italy U-21 red card
Gnonto also disappointed against Romania but his most frustrating game came during the quarter-final against Germany when Merlin Rohl scored a 117th minute winner against nine-man Italy.
While Brenden Aaronson took his chance, Gnonto saw red for Italy in a mixed night of international duty for Leeds players. After being booked in the 63rd minute, Gnonto was handed his marching orders in the 81st minute.
The decision, in the opinion of Leeds fans, was incredibly harsh. One said: “quality tackle all the way.”
Another added: “Looked a lot worse there, very harsh on replay.”
A further response asked the question: “We sending players off for that now 🤦🏻”
Others were just happy to see his tournament come to an end, even if the decision was the wrong one, with another stating: “Get & home and rest up Willy, big season ahead.”
What is Willy Gnonto’s best position?
Gnonto’s national media hammered him for the display, but he needs to be deployed in a role which suits him best.
He can be a creative influence between the lines and he can feature on the last line by running in behind due to having decent pace.
However, Gnonto works best when he operates in a position on the pitch where he can move from out-to-in to do damage to the opposition.
Realistically, that is in a free role in the centre or off the left-hand side where he can cut in onto his right and pick up positions in the half-space between a full-back and centre-back.
Given Manor Solomon’s presence, and that of Largie Ramazani, Gnonto had plenty of competition for the left wing role. However, next season could be the one for him to stamp his authority on the position.
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