Wilfried Gnonto’s frustration is understandable, but the issue is not form or attitude. Daniel Farke’s system has simply removed the need for him.
Gnonto started Leeds’ first three Premier League games of the season, but since then, has managed just one Premier League start. However, that has not stopped the Italian making an impact from the bench.
Against Bournemouth earlier this week, it was his shot that cannoned off former Leeds target James Hill into the Cherries’ net. It saw Leeds cancel out Bournemouth’s opener, the game eventually finishing 2-2.
Does Willy Gnonto deserve more game time? 😬
But the attacker would obviously like to be starting games, instead of being introduced as a substitute. Unfortunately for Gnonto, Daniel Farke’s change in formation has limited his chances to start.
Matteo’s comments confirm growing frustration
Leeds legend Dom Matteo has been discussing the former Inter Milan and Zurich forward’s game time and believes he is “frustrated”. Indeed, Matteo says he has spoken to Gnonto recently.
Speaking to TeamTalk, Dom Matteo said: “I think he has been more of an impact player this season, and he’s probably been frustrated about that. I’ve met him at quite a few events and a few things we’ve worked on, and he’s a really good, really positive guy.”
He added: “He’s certainly got the ability, he’s got a lot of pace, and obviously, he’s an Italian international. But I think the fans are probably thinking, ‘Is he a starter at the moment? Probably not’.”
Gnonto earns title he could do without: Leeds’ super sub
Despite limited starts, Gnonto continues to make an impact when introduced, as shown when he came off the bench against Bournemouth and helped change the direction of the game.
That performance reinforced the idea that his effectiveness has not disappeared. Instead, his role has been reshaped into that of a situational option.
Gnonto is being used to inject pace and energy rather than to control matches from the start. The evidence points to a player still capable of influencing outcomes.
Farke’s tactical shift has removed the winger role
The decisive factor has been structural, with Leeds switching to a back three against Man City and moved away from a system that relies on traditional wide players. In that setup, the need for a natural winger like Gnonto is significantly reduced.
If we get offered £10m or more for Gnonto we have to sell, right? 🇮🇹
That money can be used on someone better suited to the 3-5-2 formation… 💰
This is not a reflection of individual performance but a consequence of tactical priorities, which have left him competing for limited roles that do not fully suit his strengths. The system has dictated his place more than his form.
Leeds have performed superbly since the switch to a back three, which underlined almost a realisation of what was needed to avoid relegation. Farke has guided Leeds to 40 points with four games to play.
Gnonto is no stranger to rumours regarding his future, either. The winger handed in a transfer request following the club’s relegation in 2023, and refused to play in three Leeds games before his return,
Under contract until 2028, there is no immediate rush to consider his future. But Gnonto’s situation is not about decline or attitude, it is about fit. Until the system changes, his role is unlikely to.
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