Football

Gary Neville Lauds Performance of Leeds United Youngster

Gary Neville Lauds Performance of Leeds United Youngster
London, England, 14th October 2022. Sky presenter Gary Neville during the Premier League match at Brentford Community Stadium, London. Picture credit should read: David Klein / Sportimage - Photo by Icon sport

Leeds United were defeated 2-1 away to Aston Villa on Friday night but there was one real bright spot for the side who’s form suggests they may yet again slip into a relegation battle at the bottom of the Premier League this year.

Villa found themselves two goals ahead thanks to their success on the counter-attack, with Leon Bailey netting early in the game and Emi Buendia doubling the club’s lead on 64 minutes.

Leeds Young Star

That came despite the fact that Leeds looked much the more dangerous sided for most of the game, with one player in particular from the Yorkshire side causing havoc for the Villa backline.

Wilfried Gnonto started on the left flank for the visitors and posed a constant threat to the Villains defense. Despite only turning 19 last November, the pace and dribbling prowess tormented his marker in Ashley Young, who is nearly twice his age.

The young Italian was kept a close eye on by Emery’s side since he proved his danger early on in the game but the close attention paid to the future star did not prevent him from having an impact on the game.

The winger’s low center of gravity allowed him to round opposition players with ease and he won multiple fouls for his side. He ignited what appeared to be a possible Leeds come-back late in the second half to cut in to the box and play a simple cross to Patrick Bamford to hit into goal.

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Pundit’s Praise for Gnonto

Leeds failed to get that second goal to draw the tie and came away from Villa Park with a defeat but if pundit’s praise is anything to go by, then they will know they have something special on their hands with Gnonto.

Co-commentating on the game for Sky Sports, ex-Manchester United fullback Gary Neville was full of praise for the youngster throughout the game.

The commentator lauded Gnonto throughout the game, indicating that the forward could be an elite player in the future thanks to his talents.

“To see someone so mature, so young is very unusual in that position,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports of Gnonto’s play.

Ex-Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford was also highly impressed by the performance of Gnonto, who signed for Leeds from Zurich in the summer, for  a fee of 3.5 million pounds.

“For him to be able to show as much drive and be as direct as he has been, this is why fans are falling in love with him,” Beckford said after the game.

“You could see him just studying Ashley Young, as the game went on he started opening up on him. He’s very direct, I’m a huge admirer of him.”

Gnonto has become a starter for the Premier League side in the months since joining and he could have an important impact for the club going forward.

The player netted his first goal for the side in their 2-2 draw with West Ham last time out and the club could well need more from him going forward.

Leeds sit in 14th position on 17 points after 18 games played and though there is much of the season remaining, will need to add to their four wins if they are to find safety and secure another year playing in the English top-flight.

 

 


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