Nation’s media says Leeds United ace is impossible to defend against after what he did for his country

Add as preferred source on Google

Daniel Farke will finally get the rest of his Leeds United squad back at Thorp Arch over the next 24 hours.

Leeds have a huge game against Sheffield United at Elland Road on Friday to prepare for but Farke has once again had a limited number of players on the training pitch.

Joe Rodon and Karl Darlow were both in action for Wales on Monday night and likely reported back for some recovery on Tuesday, a day where six more Leeds players were in action.

Ao Tanaka played the full 90 minutes of Japan‘s 1-1 draw with Australia, while Mateo Joseph was left out completely for Spain U21s, in what was a welcome boost for Farke.

Charlie Crew, Wilfried Gnonto, Junior Firpo and Brenden Aaronson all also featured for their respective countries, the latter of which did not finish until the early hours of this morning.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke has one obvious solution to his Brenden Aaronson problem when Leeds face Sheffield United

Italian media react to Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto’s performance

Oddly, Gnonto had just the one match for Italy U21s over this international break, as the young Azzurri rounded off their Euros qualifying campaign against Ireland.

Italy needed just a point to guarantee their qualification and that is exactly what they got, as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Gnonto captained the side and played 77 minutes, but had an up and night as he provided the assist for Cesare Casadei’s goal, before then completely skying a penalty to make it 2-0.

However, it is the quality of his assist that Italian media outlet OA Calcio wanted to focus on, suggesting he is almost impossible to defend against when he runs with the ball.

They wrote: “Gnonto – 6.5. When he sprints and roams the wings it is really difficult to contain him. It is precisely in one of these gallops that he serves Casadei who unlocks the match.

“A few minutes later he picks up the ball and shoots: the goalkeeper pushes it onto the crossbar. Unstoppable. However, he sends the penalty of the possible 2-0 sky high and slowly fades away.”

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke handed major boost as key Leeds duo return to full team training at Thorp Arch after injury

Gnonto should be fresh for Leeds vs Sheffield United

Though it is good to see Gnonto carrying on his run of assists, which has seen him provide four in the last three matches, the most important thing is he will return without any injuries.

Gnonto has been Leeds’ best and most important player this season and in a game like Sheffield United, he will be needed in top form.

To have only played 77 minutes over this international break is a mini result for Leeds and should ensure he is fresh against the Blades.

Given Aaronson’s late return from USA duty, Gnonto may even be needed in a more central role.