Leeds United sensation Willy Gnonto has been praised for his first-half display against Nottingham Forest by Adam Pope, despite his side going into the break 1-0 down.
What’s the word?
Leeds played well, but found themselves 1-0 down at half time courtesy of a stunning strike from Brennan Johnson, but Gnonto was the star of the show.
He made four key passes and completed two dribbles as per SofaScore, and dazzled with his pace on the ball and creative spark.
This earned him praise from Pope, who was in awe at just how good he was despite being behind.
“Bar one poor set piece, Leeds have had the whole game bar scoring. Chances, territory, possession, yet no finishing touch. Gnonto insanely good, but Navas already becoming a Forest hero with several saves on his debut,” he tweeted.
The perfect fit
The 19-year-old has settled well at Elland Road, and seems to be ideal for the high-intensity style applied by Jesse Marsch.
He already ranks in the top 12% of wingers for blocks and clearances, showing his high work-rate alongside his flair and dynamism, and helps Leeds progress up the pitch, ranking in the top 9% for progressive carries as per FBref.
He had earned praised for his performances in recent weeks, with Gary Neville particularly impressed by his display in his side’s loss to Aston Villa.
‘To see someone so mature, so young is very unusual in that position,” he stated.
“Sometimes you see potential and talent but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good honestly.”
Despite his side not being in the best form, he has been a bright spark who is creating a lot of optimism over a bright future.
