The forward for the Whites might be included in the starting lineup to take on Ryan Lowe’s team.
On Boxing Day, Leeds United plays Preston North End at Deepdale in the Championship. This afternoon, they head away from Elland Road.
Before their game against Leicester City this evening, the Whites can close the deficit to the Tractor Boys to four points with a victory. They come into this encounter fresh off a crushing 4-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
With two games in a span of four days, head coach Daniel Farke might decide to make some changes to his starting lineup, which would be advantageous for Wilfried Gnonto.
After a few lackluster games from Dan James, the German tactician has to finally unleash the Italy international from the off. The 20-year-old ace may be a dynamic alternative on the flank next to Crysencio Summerville.
In his last three Whites starts, James has produced just one important pass and zero goals. Because of his lack of influence at the top of the pitch, Gnonto may decide to bench James.
The statistical season of Gnonto
The five-foot-seven magician has only made six starts in the Championship this season; his most recent appearance for Leeds came in an October match against Stoke.
He has only scored once and assisted once in the division so far, but because he has not had many reliable starts, he has had trouble getting into a rhythm in the last third of the game.
Gnonto finished among the top 19% of wingers in the Premier League in terms of assists (0.27) per 90, having contributed four assists in 14 starts in the top tier the previous year.
This demonstrates that, at his peak, the Leeds prospect—who journalist Josh Bunting once called a “beautiful” football player—has the makings of a fantastic creative danger down the right flank.
Summerville’s season in numbers
Gnonto could form one half of an exciting wing partnership with Summerville, who has been in splendid form this season, on the left side of the attack.
The Dutch forward has been a constant threat in the final third in the Championship and is a major menace to opposition defences out wide.
With his tease into the six-yard box that rebounded off the left-back and into the back of the net, he not only unofficially assisted Leif Davis’ own goal on Saturday, but he has amassed an impressive 11 goals and six assists for the Whites.
Summerville leads the Leeds team in crucial passes (3.1) and dribbles completed (2.7) per game. He has at least two more goals scored than any of his teammates.
These numbers demonstrate how effective the 22-year-old wizard has been for the Whites at the top of the pitch this season. He can score goals from a left flank position and also create opportunities for others to score.
Gnonto might try to supply that on the opposite wing with his creative ability. He can rush straight at rival defenders, frightening them and getting spectators excited in the process.
Farke needs to unleash them both because when combined, their speed, agility, and wing-manship may pose a continual threat to Preston.
