Michael Skubala is keen to continue supporting Wilfried Gnonto’s development as he aims to break into the Leeds United first-team. Gnonto made his Whites debut on Saturday, a couple of months after arriving at Elland Road, as he stepped off the bench to play the final few minutes of Leeds’ win over Liverpool at Anfield.
He made a big impact, too, putting the ball into the box for Crysencio Summerville to poke home in the 89th minute of the contest. The Italy international will be keen to build on that outing by getting more senior minutes before and after the World Cup break, but the door remains open to him should he wish to keep sharp with the U21s.
Gnonto picked up his fifth start for the youth team on Tuesday night as they took on Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road and, while he may not have been able to help the Whites to victory, Skubala is happy to provide him with the minutes he needs.
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“I think the win for the first-team on Saturday, a great job and Willy supporting in that goal and getting him on the pitch was great,” Skubala said after the 0-0 draw with Crewe. “He’s one of those characters that just wants to play.
“He’s got a great attitude, he wants to stay on, he wants to play and we want to look after him and support him and give him minutes. He needs to be ready when Jesse calls on him and he’s done well again tonight.”
Skubala has supported the first-team as often as possible with his team selections by providing senior faces with valuable minutes and Tuesday was no different with Mateusz Klich, Junior Firpo and Joe Gelhardt dropping down. Cody Drameh, who started the season in the first-team picture, is another who has been seen regularly in the U21s side, particularly since Luke Ayling returned to full fitness a couple of months ago.
He’s used the Premier League 2 campaign and the Papa John’s Trophy to keep himself ticking over and he has performed well at right-back. However, with the January transfer window approaching, he could be keen to continue his progression away from Elland Road, as he did last season on loan with Cardiff City.
Drameh wouldn’t be short of potential suitors if the club were to pursue a loan switch and Skubala has been delighted with his efforts with the U21s.
“Since Cody has been playing for us, he’s been brilliant,” he added. “Tonight, again, he was getting crosses in the box and doing really well.
“He’s shown the quality he’s got on the ball and he was probably one of the exciting players tonight. The plan for Cody is a club plan and for me, it’s just to keep driving him, keep getting better and Jesse and Victor will decide what the plan is for Cody.”
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