Wilfried Gnonto started for Italy on Monday night but the Leeds United talent’s performance has been branded ‘a little messy’.
The Whites were desperate for a striking addition before the transfer window slammed shut earlier this month.
Targets like Charles De Ketelaere and Charles Kalimuendo were picked out, but Leeds found out that their love was unrequited.
The duo went to AC Milan and Rennes respectively whilst there was late drama as Bamba Dieng’s proposed move fell through.
Leeds did find a late addition though, putting their faith in the potential of Gnonto.
Wilfried Gnonto started for Italy on Monday night
The former Inter Milan talent had been shining in Switzerland with FC Zurich.
Yet it’s on the international stage where Gnonto really started to make a name for himself.
The 18-year-old was surprisingly catapulted into the Italy squad earlier this year and made an instant impact.
An assist against Germany was quickly followed up by a goal against Die Mannschaft, putting Gnonto into the spotlight.
Leeds swooped in and whilst the Whites fanbase have yet to see him in action, excitement levels are high.
Gnonto was given another start on Monday night as Italy beat Hungary 2-0 but this appearance didn’t go quite as well as those Germany outings.
The teenager was taken off with a knock on 66 minutes and the Italian press didn’t seem to be blown away.
Tuttomercatoweb rated Gnonto at just 6.5 out of 10, suggesting that his performance was ‘a little messy’.
They did though praise Gnonto for his role in Italy’s opening goal, highlighting that his anticipation was perfect to latch onto Adam Nagy’s poor back pass.
These performance are going to happen with a young talent like Gnonto; some encouraging moments and some moments that leave you scratching your head.
Leeds are backing Gnonto’s potential here and more international exposure at just 18 will hopefully set him on the right path to success – both for club and country.
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