Leeds United will undoubtedly bring in another attacking reinforcement before the transfer deadline but Daniel Farke may already have his Georginio Rutter replacement from within.
Rutter’s £40 million move to Brighton earlier this week has left Leeds with a gaping hole in the number 10 spot, with Farke practically building his entire system around him last season.
Both he and Crysencio Summerville are undoubtedly huge losses, though the arrival of Largie Ramazani from UD Almeria has been brought into replace the latter.
Despite a very impressive 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds remain in the market for three more signings, with the lack of depth on the bench at Hillsborough a clear sign they are needed.
Full-back, central midfield and another attacker are the positions Leeds want to strengthen, but perhaps the solution to Rutter‘s departure is already at Elland Road.
- READ MORE: What Leeds United’s players made Brenden Aaronson do straight after win against Sheffield Wednesday
Wilfried Gnonto can be Rutter’s replacement at Leeds
Last weekend’s 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion was the first time Leeds had played a league game without Rutter since the opening day of last season.
It was a sorry sight watching Leeds try to attack without him at the Hawthorns, as the man chosen to replace Rutter, Joel Piroe really struggled to get into the game.
As such, Piroe was dropped to the bench for the win at Wednesday in place of Brenden Aaronson, who managed to get on the scoresheet for a second time.
And while Aaronson enjoyed a good game, it was the performance of Wilfried Gnonto that showed Farke might already have his Rutter replacement under his nose.
Despite starting on the left, Gnonto drifted more and more infield as the game went on and by the end, was almost playing as a central midfielder.
However, perhaps without the off-the-cuff skill of Rutter, Gnonto proved he has every attribute in the book to be a success in that position.
Gnonto was able to take the ball under pressure with his back to goal, keep it and even get on the half-turn and dribble with it when there was an opportunity.
His low centre of gravity means it is very difficult for defenders to knock him off the ball, as shown by the fact he drew four fouls during his 88 minutes on the pitch.
The 20-year-old also completed 50 of his 54 attempted passes, and having played there for his country, could also be the answer for Leeds.
Who should Leeds sign if Gnonto is the number 10 solution?
Despite being hailed as ‘unplayable‘ by Jon Newsome, Gnonto’s performance should not detract from the fact Leeds still need another creative player in that front four, but it is important they get the profile right.
Gnonto, Aaronson, Dan James and Largie Ramazani are all right-footed attackers and so in order to improve the balance of the squad, someone who is left-footed should come in.
Of the names linked so far, Freiburg’s Roland Sallai would be the best option, as he can play both off the right and in the middle.
A three of Sallai, Gnonto and Ramazani, with the likes of James and Aaronson in reserve, all of a sudden leaves Leeds’ squad looking very healthy.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
