Leeds United news as Paul Robinson hopeful Whites…

Leeds United news as Paul Robinson hopeful Whites youngster sees more game time upon restart

Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Saturday, 24 December 2022.

Robinson on Gnonto

Paul Robinson is hoping Wilfried Gnonto can cement a regular place in Leeds United's starting XI once the Premier League gets back underway. Gnonto has started just one league match since his summer move from FC Zurich but did start making an impact on the side in the final few matches before the World Cup break.

He looked lively coming off the bench in the win at Liverpool before registering a superb assist for Crysencio Summerville's winner against Bournemouth a week later. Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson claimed Gnonto's involvement for Italy should be enough to suggest he can be a regular at Leeds.

He said: “I can’t understand why Roberto Mancini thinks so highly of him that he plays for the Italy national team but he struggles to get a game for Leeds. If he plays in that area, he can cause problems. I’ve seen him internationally when I’ve done commentary and I’ve seen him play for Italy.

“I’m surprised at how much more he’s been used and utilised for Italy than with Leeds. He’s got a lot to offer and he can offer another option. I’d like to see him getting a lot more games and a lot more game-time before the end of the season.

“I just don’t get it. Mancini starts him in games and he plays well and when he brings him off the bench, he makes an impact as a substitute. And when he’s played for Leeds, he’s come on, caused problems and created goals.”

Transfer state of play

Christmas arrivals are being finalised at the North Pole, but Victor Orta and Leeds United are picking through their own list of desirables ahead of the New Year. The festive season sees a lot of people wind down, but Orta and his recruitment department are fully aware every day matters in the run-up to January.

It’s plain for everyone to see, including those, importantly, in the Elland Road boardroom, Jesse Marsch needs a left-back and a striker next month. If those positions are not tended to before February 1, it’s going to be easy to point the finger if Leeds then struggle through the spring.

Pascal Struijk has held the fort admirably, but it’s clear he is not a natural left-back United can rely on if they want to maximise their team’s potential. Meanwhile, Junior Firpo’s problems with form and fitness make it a necessity for fresh blood in that corner of the field.

Greenwood

Sam Greenwood insists he’s never felt more comfortable in his new Leeds United midfield role as he continues to establish himself at Elland Road. Greenwood spent his youth team days playing in a more advanced forward position, but he has settled into a centre midfield role under head coach Jesse Marsch over the last few months.

Premier League chances haven’t always been easy to come by for Greenwood this season, making just six appearances and one start, but the 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough moment last month against Bournemouth. Leeds were 3-1 down at home to the Cherries when he stepped off the bench to replace Marc Roca, but he bagged a goal and an assist to help completely turn the game on its head as Leeds secured three more precious points.

As such, Greenwood could be forgiven for thinking the World Cup break came at the wrong time as he looked to make the most of the momentum he had built up. The England Under-21s international is approaching the Premier League restart in a confident frame of mind, though, as he aims to take the next step in his career.

“I need to keep making an impact,” Greenwood said in the club’s programme for the Real Sociedad clash. “There’s always hard work to do but at this point, for me personally, I’ve never felt better about the position I am in – so I need to keep working had to establish myself in this team."