View: Leeds United could have next Gianfranco Zola in Willy Gnonto
Leeds United could have unearthed the next Gianfranco Zola in Willy Gnonto as the 18-year-old made a second-half cameo against England.
Gnonto completed a deadline day move to Elland Road from FC Zurich and when the youngster is unleashed in Leeds’ first eleven he could prove to be an exciting watch.
In his small cameo against England yesterday evening [23 August], Gnonto demonstrated his ability to move constantly along the front line in order to pick up small pockets of space.
The image above displays Gnonto’s eagerness to pick up positions in between the defence and midfield and due to his excellent first touch and illusiveness, he can often gain possession unchallenged with time to turn and create an attack.
He isn’t afraid to receive the ball in tight spaces and make things happen in and around the opposition’s box. Furthermore, his small stature and low centre of balance aid his excellent dribbling which was displayed in his 35-minute cameo last night.
Gnonto’s brightest moment came in the 89th minute when he picked the ball up in a wide position and displayed his directness and superb dribbling ability to send Chelsea left-back Reece James the wrong way before delivering a ball into the box.
During the second half, Gnonto managed a 100 per cent dribble success rate and it’s something Leeds fans will be hoping he can replicate during his time at Elland Road.
It’s also important to remember that Gnonto was playing with and against some high-quality players at the San Siro and he won’t be facing international players whilst at Elland Road week in and week out.
In other Leeds United news, Sonny Perkins has extended his 100% scoring record this season on international duty.