Willy Gnonto is enduring a difficult season at Leeds United and he struggled on the weekend again, as Leeds failed to beat Plymouth in the FA Cup – and Phil Hay said the Italian was “disappointing”.
Gnonto was handed only his fourth start since October as Daniel Farke made a few changes to his side – Jamie Shackleton, Liam Cooper, Sam Byram, Gnonto, Jaidon Anthony and Joel Piroe given a run out.
Anthony, though, was the revelation. His gorgeous goal, combined with his stunning display in the face of a difficult couple of weeks for the star after the passing of his Mother, gave Farke plenty of promise.
Gnonto started on the right and struggled. Indeed this season, he has just one goal and one assist in 24 games. Yes, he hit the bar – but it was via a deflection. Not good enough, given what he is capable of.
Leeds are expected to tie up his contract soon – with Graeme Bailey telling LeedsUnited.News that the deal is agreed in principle. Hay though, discussed his contract and performance on The Square Ball.
“I thought Gnonto was disappointing. There is this feeling they’re close on a new deal. They’d like to extend it. This window, the squad building has been focused on extensions. Gray, Joseph – then Gnonto.
“He is one of the few attacking players to Farke hasn’t tapped in to. Playing on the right, when he came through he was on the left – I don’t know if that is having an effect. A new deal may allow him to reset.”
Phil Hay delivers verdict on Willy Gnonto after Plymouth display
There is no doubting that in Gnonto, Leeds have a supreme talent and one that the Whites need to keep hold of – because right now, his form is reducing his value. Selling him at a reduced rate will backfire.
Allowing him the platform to get back to his best will allow that price tag to get back to what it was when shining in the Premier League last term. A new deal would see Gnonto focus on his game, not his future.
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