NafisaFormer Premier League midfielder Jamie Redknapp has praised one Leeds United star for their decisive contribution to the draw against Brentford.
Daniel Farke was forced to rely on his substitutes again as Leeds pulled off a late escape to leave London with a well-earned point.
With Leeds trailing as the game entered the closing stages, Farke switched his formation, introducing Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto into his midfield.
And it was Gnonto who made the telling contribution from the bench, delivering a pinpoint cross for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to head home the equaliser.
Jamie Redknapp was full of praise for Gnonto after the game, as he made another important impact from the bench.
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Willy Gnonto praised for Leeds United impact v Brentford
Gnonto made his second important appearance in a week for Leeds, having won the penalty that sparked the Whites’ comeback against Liverpool from the bench.
Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the game, Redknapp singled out Gnonto for praise, explaining that he is the perfect man to have an impact on the game against a tired defence.
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The former Liverpool midfielder said: “With Gnonto coming on. He won the penalty last week against Liverpool – massive impact.
“Today, that bit of quality with the cross when you need it most. I always think with teams, if you’ve got that player who can give you that little spark with 10 or 15 minutes to go in the game, it makes a big difference.
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“Willy Gnonto won’t want to be known as a sub. I saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin going up to him after, and it was almost like a little bit of frustration.
“But you need to keep everyone involved, and if it means bit parts at times, so be it. Because he makes a difference, and sometimes the game gets a little bit slower, there’s a bit more space on the pitch for players like him to make a difference.”
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Willy Gnonto is beginning to make his mark for Leeds United
Gnonto’s influence on the Leeds side is beginning to grow once again, after the Italian youth international was forced to endure a frustrating start to the season.
Having started Leeds’ first three games of the season, Gnonto was limited to just 11 minutes between the start of September and the defeat against Manchester City, according to FotMob, as he fell down the pecking order after suffering an injury.
However, Gnonto has now contributed an assist in his last two games for the Whites and is beginning to show Farke why he deserves more minutes at Elland Road.
With Farke now preferring two central strikers, Gnonto’s chances may continue to be limited for the foreseeable future. However, the Leeds boss will not be too concerned about that, as long as Gnonto continues to contribute as an impact sub.
Nafisa
Mustapha Sheidu