Jermaine Beckford has claimed Wilfried Gnonto "doesn't know" why he has been left out of Leeds United's starting XI in recent weeks under Javi Gracia.
Gnonto has started just twice in the Premier League since the end of February and has amassed just 212 minutes of league action under Gracia.
Admittedly, the 19-year-old sustained an ankle injury on international duty, which initially prompted a cautious approach from Gracia. But once the Spaniard declared Gnonto fully fit ahead of the Fulham defeat, many expected him to be restored to the starting XI.
Read more: Every word from Javi Gracia's press conference
Instead, he was introduced for the final 10 minutes at Craven Cottage, and was left on the bench for the draw against Leicester City despite Luis Sinisterra being withdrawn with an ankle injury after 31 minutes.
Former Leeds striker Beckford says he has spoken to Gnonto directly about his current situation, and has called for Gracia to start the teenager against Bournemouth.
“Wilfried Gnonto, he’s fantastic, he’s so positive, driven and direct with the ball. He gets the play up the field and doesn’t mind defending. He’s a fantastic player, but he isn’t playing. He didn’t even come off the bench for the last couple of games," Beckford told William Hill and Footy Accumulators’ No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.
“I’ve spoken to him directly about it and he doesn’t know why. But I think he should be playing, there’s Rodrigo, Patrick Bamford as well, Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra. There are so many great attacking players in the team, the issue seems to be at the other end of the field – conceding for fun.
“People mention the lack of leadership with the last couple of games especially, with exception to the Leicester game, there hasn’t been any real leadership on the pitch during the home games.
"Crystal Palace 5-1 and Liverpool 6-1, it’s embarrassing, absolutely embarrassing, and if you take a step backwards and just listen to what the fans want, and what the fans are saying, similar to Spurs with [Daniel] Levy, listening for what the fans are calling out for, I think the decision is very simple.
"It’s a very obvious decision to make for the greater good of the football club and preserving their Premier League status. However, it just doesn’t seem to be that way currently, so it’s really frustrating.”
READ NEXT:
- West Brom U21s v Leeds United U21s highlights
- Michael Owen gives perfect explanation for Javi Gracia's Wilfried Gnonto Leeds United omission
- Six key fixtures for Leeds United and their rivals as relegation battle enters home straight
- Sean Dyche bemoans bad habit Everton can't kick after Leeds United relegation rivals lose again
- Leeds United rivals' boss admits table looks 'difficult' following last defeat
