JESSE MARSCH kept his cards close to his chest in the build-up to Wilfried Gnonto’s (£1.7m) summer transfer to Leeds.
Speaking to the media when asked how the teenage forward would be used prior to the deal being unexpectedly finalised on deadline day, the American coach said that he didn’t think Italy’s youngest ever goalscorer would be ready for the Premier League this season.
Just four months on, it could be argued that Gnonto is the Whites’ most in-form player.
Riding a wave of praise from fans and pundits alike, the 19-year-old scored an impressive brace against Cardiff on Wednesday night to ensure his side’s progression to the FA fourth round.
And his first goal, a Paulo Di Canio-esque scissor volley after just 26 seconds, emphatically underlined his potential.
Already there is speculation of where he might end up next but for now he’s for the Elland Road faithful to enjoy, and that they have in recent weeks.
Perhaps it’s time Dream Team bosses started paying attention to his progress too as he’s pouched 29 points across the last three Game Weeks.
He scored his first goal for the Yorkshire club against West Ham at the start of the month and his double against Championship opposition in midweek was a fitting reward for his efforts since he became a first team regular.
In both fixtures he was thoroughly deserving of the Star Man award.
A shade under 5ft 6in, Gnonto is a natural dribbler with a low centre of gravity and is seemingly able to wriggle under defenders at times.
Most read in Dream Team
And like Wilfired Zaha (£4.9m) and Jack Grealish (£3.8m), he draws a lot of fouls, winning frequent free-kicks for his team in advantageous positions.
Capable of playing as a centre-forward or a second striker, he has predominantly played from the left at Leeds and looked every bit a bold winger.
The stats boffins are excited about his progression numbers and the fans in stands love his nutmegs and fearless attitude.
Gnonto is still raw and his inexperience has been evident in how he’s picked up some needless yellow cards, something Dream Team manager will be wary of, but the fact he’s already got eight caps for Italy under his belt is testament to his talent.
Nobody at Leeds, not least Marsch, expected Gnonto to make waves this early in his career – his dad still drives him to training – but his form can’t be denied.
His £4million transfer fee already looks like a smart bit of business.
Given the wealth of options up front, it would take a bold Dream Team gaffer to recruit Gnonto ahead of Game Week 19 but there may be some out there in need to a cut-price in-form forward.
Everyone else would be wise to monitor his progress as he certainly looks like one for the future.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
