Michael Owen has suggested to BT Sport that he believes Javi Gracia could be overlooking Leeds United talent Willy Gnonto because he is a “luxury player” and in the midst of a relegation scrap – Gracia has a “blind spot” to him.
Gnonto, 19, was a substitute for the fifth League game in a row on Tuesday night as Leicester pegged Leeds back to draw 1-1. Despite fans singing his name and calling for Gracia to bring him on – Gnonto remained an unused sub.
Fans and pundits are growing astounded that the Spanish gaffer continues to leave Gnonto on the bench, when the belief is that the ex-Zurich and Inter star could be the man to provide the magic and guide Leeds away from danger.
Owen believes he may have found the reason. But, his working out is questionable. He claims that Gnonto might be seen as a bit of a “luxury player” and that is why Gracia is overlooking him – preferring to use those that work hard.
“Some managers are like that. With that type of player, some love them – think they can be a game changer. A lot of managers though, those luxury players dare I say it, especially in a relegation battle, they have a blind spot to them.”
Owen suggests why he thinks Gracia is overlooking Leeds talent Gnonto
Let’s get it right. Gnonto is not a luxury player. He is not a winger that allows his marker to run past him and join the attack, without helping his full-back out – whether that be Junior Firpo or Pascal Struijk, or whoever at left-back.
Gnonto is a grafter, he works incredibly hard and has that streak in him that loves a tackle and getting in the face of an opponent. Just as Seamus Coleman. He is far removed from a luxury player and that is not the reason for his axe.
It can’t be. If it is, then Gracia has got it all wrong. But Gracia has got to turn to Gnonto in the remaining five games, especially with Luis Sinisterra picking up another injury – forcing him off the field of play in the first half last night.
