Leeds United striker Wilfried Gnonto sustained a number of ‘whacks’ during Italy’s latest game in the Nations League on Monday night.
This has been highlighted by journalist Joe Donnohue, who took to Twitter following a 2-0 victory for Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri against Hungary.
Gnonto made Mancini’s starting XI in Budapest and played 66 minutes before being replaced by Manolo Gabbiadini, with the Leeds ace playing a big role in the opening goal.
The 18-year-old was alert to a loose backpass from the hosts and was able to beat goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi to the ball before Giacomo Raspadori slotted the ball home.
In creating the goal, Gnonto took a hefty whack from Gulacsi and Donnohue picked up on the numerous knocks the youngster sustained throughout the game after being taken off as a likely precaution.
He said: “Gnonto subbed off on 65 minutes. Took a few whacks towards the end there, occupational hazard of putting himself about. Probably a precautionary change from Mancini with Italy already 2-0 up.”
TIF Thoughts on Donnohue’s comments…
There was definitely a lot of encouragement Leeds fans could take from Gnonto’s performance, with his involvement in the opening goal a real cause for optimism.
Should Gnonto be used by Marsch after the break?
Yes
No
But there were also some reminders the Leeds ace is still very raw, with just 19 touches of the ball throughout the game, while he lost the ball on nine occasions (via SofaScore).
And it will not exactly be music to the ears of Leeds fans with the youngster potentially putting himself at risk of picking up an injury due to his style of play.
Leeds have suffered enough injury issues to some of their attacking players, so there will be a hope Gnonto can break that mould.