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 as many days, head coach Daniel Farke may decide to make some changes to his starting lineup, which might help 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 thrilling alternative on the flank next to Crysencio Summerville.
In his last three starts for the Whites, James has produced zero goals and one crucial pass; as a result of his lack of influence at the top of the pitch, Gnonto may decide to bench him.
The statistical season of Gnonto
This season, the five-foot-seven wizard has only made six starts in the Championship; his most recent start for Leeds came against Stoke in October.
He has made one goal and one assist in the division thus far, although he has struggled to find his rhythm in the closing third due to his lack of consistent starts.
With four assists in 14 top-flight starts the previous season, Gnonto placed among the top 19% of wingers in the Premier League in terms of assists (0.27) per 90.
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.
Starting today against Preston might be the spark that ignites his career since it will give him a chance to show off his skills, especially in the lead-up to the January transfer market.
Summerville’s statistical season
On the left side of the attack, Gnonto and Summerville, who has been playing brilliantly this season, might make up one half of an explosive wing tandem.
The Dutch striker poses a serious threat to opposing teams’ wide defenses and has been a consistent threat in the Championship’s final third.
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.
