‘Not my best’ – Wilfried Gnonto addresses Leeds United position debate as increased competition welcomed

This season, Leeds United’s Italian star has been rotated among the attacking lineup.

Wilfried Gnonto strives to deliver his best in every Leeds United game, regardless of his place on the team sheet.

Despite being only six games into the Championship season, Gnonto has already played a variety of roles at Leeds, switching from left to right as former teammates left and new ones joined. The 20-year-old was anticipated to replace Crysencio Summerville in his more natural role of cutting inside from the left, as he accomplished with ease in last month’s 2-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday.

Late summer arrivals. Daniel Farke has a lot of right-footed wide players, such Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani. However, with Daniel James sidelined, he has asked Gnonto to switch sides again. It doesn’t make much of a difference, as a fluid offensive unit can change and overload nearly at will during games.

Gnonto declined to pick his favourite position when questioned by BBC West Yorkshire Sport. “I try to play in every position, recognising my strengths and utilising them as much as possible. I don’t really care if I play on the left or right, down the middle, or as a striker.

“At the end, with our guys and the style we play, we are constantly moving and changing places. People may claim that the right wing is not my finest [position], but I strive to do it with my strengths. I know in the end, I’m always at ease on the pitch.”

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Gnonto’s adaptability could be his biggest asset in a Leeds club that is well-stocked in attacking areas, with more depth than last season despite the departures of Summerville and Georginio Rutter. Solomon and Ramazani filled the voids, and Brenden Aaronson, who returned from a loan spell at Union Berlin, has the potential to show himself.

Gnonto, James, and Joel Piroe are also battling for the three slots behind the striker, so even if everyone is fully healthy, only half can realistically play. However, this should keep wits fresh, and Leeds’ Italian star enjoys the competition.

“I feel like it’s important to have this type of competition in the team,” the player said. “It makes us work every day; you can’t relax because you know someone is as excellent as you.

“At the same time, everyone is confident; it’s beneficial to have these types of individuals on the team due to injuries, since we have a lot of games coming up. “We need everyone, and everyone is willing to contribute.”

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