Leeds United player told he didn’t work hard enough after joining but that has changed under Daniel Farke

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There were plenty of brilliant performances from Leeds United on Tuesday night as The Whites secured a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough to return to the top of the Championship.

Illan Meslier arguably produced his best performance of the season with some crucial saves, while the scoreline reading 1-1. Dan James netted his fourth goal of the season and Joe Rodon was superb.

Joel Piroe showed “international class” when he came off the bench to lay on an assist for James. Once again, the midfield of Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell starred and Sam Byram was involved in two goals.

Another of course was Wilfried Gnonto, with the Italy star clocking up his fourth goal of the season and getting Leeds on their way to a 12th Championship win of the season. But he didn’t just score a goal.

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Neil Redfearn stunned by Wilfried Gnonto under Daniel Farke

Gnonto is in his third season at Leeds after joining from Zurich back in 2022 under Jesse Marsch. The winger is boasting that main-man aura after Leeds sold Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville.

But former boss Neil Redfearn told BBC Radio Leeds what has shocked him most about Gnonto, claiming the winger didn’t work hard enough when he first joined but under Daniel Farke, that has now changed.

“When he first came to Leeds, he didn’t work hard enough. Didn’t get in positions enough. I don’t know what Daniel Farke has done with him, but now he absolutely works his socks off. He’s really switched on.”

Wilfried Gnonto’s stats in the three years he’s been at Leeds

On Tuesday night, Gnonto took his tally to nine goals and assists for Leeds this season – second only to Joel Piroe in terms of goals and assists with the Dutchman laying on his third assist, having scored 10.

While his first season came in the Premier League, where Gnonto sprung onto the scene following his £3.8m move to Elland Road, it is clear Gnonto is improving his end product as gets more experienced.

What is also impressive, is that Gnonto is already close to completing the same amount of minutes that he did in his first season and this season is not even half done. Just three goals and assists off last term.