Jesse Marsch and Leeds United coaches will have been rubbing their hands at the prospect of moulding Wilfried Gnonto into the Whites' new system after an impressive display for Italy. The deadline day signing had a hand in Italy's opener against Hungary in the Nations League, closing down Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi who spilled a through ball into the path of Giacomo Raspadori to open the scoring.
Roberto Mancini handed Gnonto his sixth appearance for his country and his first start since signing for Leeds United earlier this summer. The 18-year-old played a bit part in Italy's high press and high turnover - which is an integral component of Marsch's Leeds tactics.
The youngster is yet to taste first-team football with the Whites since making the move from FC Zurich, but has impressed on the international stage. It had been expected that Gnonto would be a longer term project at Elland Road and Thorp Arch, but his performances for the European champions have been very encouraging.
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The Italian striker was on the receiving end of a number of strong challenges and was withdrawn just after the hour mark, but the substitution appeared to be precautionary rather than an injury. Leeds United supporters are hopeful they'll get a glimpse of the summer signing soon, having not yet played a first-team fixture since his arrival.
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Here's what Leeds United supporters had to say on social media:
@Connor_mjc said: "Amazing how many people seem really angry that Gnonto isn't a first team player at Leeds. Aside from one the day after he arrived, we haven't had a first team game."
@Cosimo_diMedici said: "Willy Gnonto is a problem. That guy can ball! Leeds have signed a gem. He is a pressing monster."
@JEDDGM said: "I think that Gnonto will be a regular in matchday squads from October onwards, he looks very comfortable in his own skin at the international level — which may be slower and more tactical than the Premier League, but is still a good standard."
@Jezaldinho tweeted: "It absolutely baffles me that Gnonto plays up front for Italy but is just a promising U21 player when back at Leeds. If he’s not at least on the bench for Villa then."
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