Wilfried Gnonto is still waiting for the opportunity to show Premier League fans what he can do. Arriving at Elland Road on transfer deadline day last month, Gnonto has been selected in two Leeds United match day squads, but so far Jesse Marsch has not turned his way.
However, his performances for the Whites’ Under-21s have been enough to suggest a senior debut might not be too far away for the Italy international, who turns 19 next month. The forward has enjoyed three run outs with Michael Skubala’s side so far and he has managed to catch the eye in each of them.
Marsch was in attendance for his first appearance in the 6-2 win over Southampton, exciting a sizeable crowd on the night he received his latest call-up from Roberto Mancini. Gnonto was then selected to make a Papa John’s Trophy appearance last week against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.
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He wreaked havoc down Leeds’ left, getting the better of the League Two club’s backline on a number of occasions by showcasing his considerable skill and strength on the ball. His quick thinking at a free-kick led to Mateo Joseph’s goal and his impact succeeded in riling up Tranmere’s players and supporters, who made their frustrations known.
After watching the Whites’ loss to Crystal Palace from the Selhurst Park bench on Sunday afternoon, Gnonto was then given the chance to pick up some more minutes in the youth ranks as the Whites took on a strong Sunderland side in the Premier League 2 Division 2.
It was without a doubt the toughest test the U21s have encountered during their unbeaten start to the season, but the Italian was the best attacker on the field at the Stadium of Light. His driving runs into the box off the left flank terrified first-teamers Bailey Wright and Trai Hume, who didn’t know how to handle his direct play.
After creating a couple of opportunities in the first half, he was the man who popped up to score what would ultimately be the only goal of the game. Venturing in from the flank, Gnonto could be seen picking the ball off the toes of Harvey Sutcliffe and lashing it inside the post from a tight angle.
It was an effort that saw plenty of supporters sit up and take notice of the former FC Zurich man and Marsch will have undoubtedly raised a smile as he watched the youngster stumble off to celebrate his first Leeds goal in front of a small pocket of fans who had made the journey up to Wearside.
Marsch has already admitted to changing his mind regarding Gnonto’s readiness to play Premier League football this season after initially suggesting the forward would be a long-term project and after watching him excel for the youth side, he may find himself mulling over what he could offer from the bench.
The American will have been frustrated on Sunday as his second half changes failed to make the desired impact and stem the flow the game. Of course, the Whites aren’t short of attack-minded talent, with the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville and Mateusz Klich to bring into the action if and when required.
However, all three of the above struggled to show their best in south London, as Palace sealed the three points thanks to Eberechi Eze's 76th minute strike. As such, with his U21s performances fresh in his mind, Marsch may start to see Gnonto as more of an attractive option, should he look to his bench for a spark this weekend or in upcoming games against Leicester City and Fulham.
Gnonto posed a threat as a substitute for Italy when Mancini looked his way against England last month, with his running game and energy asking questions of the Three Lions’ defence. Marsch could find himself asking the 18-year-old to play a similar role in the coming weeks.
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