Ian Wright wants Sam Allardyce to start Wilfried Gnonto as Leeds United prepare for their crucial Premier League relegation clash against David Moyes’ West Ham United on Sunday at the London Stadium.
The Arsenal legend claimed that Sam Allardyce needs to get his ‘exciting’ players on the pitch, as he named teenager, Wilfried Gnonto, as one of them, as he told Premier League Productions (15/05/23 at 2:45 pm).
The Italy international started Allardyce’s first game in charge, as Leeds suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.
But he was dropped to the bench against Newcastle United, with the Whites recording a 2-2 draw, even though they could have been 2-0 up before Callum Wilson equalised via the penalty spot.
From an attacking perspective, the relegation-threatened side are fairing fine, it’s the defence that is the major issue.
Saying that, Wright wants the front-footed players on the pitch, as they travel to the London Stadium on Sunday.
“You need somebody to step out and do something,” said Wright. “Whether it’s Harrison or Gnonto. Why not start Gnonto? Get your offensive players on. Get them on! Get the exciting players on, so it gets you going.”
SHOULD GNONTO START AGAINST WEST HAM?
Under Javi Gracia, the same questions were being asked, as the all-action winger started very few games under the Spaniard.
If those very same questions are being asked now that there is a different manager in the dugout, then there must be something in the youngster’s game that isn’t liked.
From an offensive standpoint, he has it all. But, with Allardyce, it’s all about shape, defensive structure and working hard off the ball. Perhaps that’s where the issues lie with Gnonto.
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