Leeds United secured a 2-0 away win over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night as Daniel Farke made some necessary changes to his side that paid off, including that of Wilfried Gnonto.
Goals from Dan James and Brenden Aaronson was enough to see off Danny Rohl’s side, but also secure a second clean sheet in two games having drawn 0-0 at West Brom the weekend prior to Friday night.
Leeds picked up the win having lost Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter this summer, as well as other attacking stars like Jaidon Anthony, Ian Poveda and more options for Farke in the final third.
Aaronson has returned and Largie Ramazani has been signed, while Manor Solomon is undergoing a medical at Leeds ahead of a loan move from Tottenham until the end of the season, no permanent clause.
Struijk hints at new position for Gnonto on his Instagram post
Aaronson lined-up in the middle of the three attacking midfielders behind Mateo Joseph but at times, Italy star Gnonto came inside. A role he is familiar with, playing in that position for Italy’s Under-21 side.
It is emerging as a surprise new option for Farke, who needs a no.10 having lost Rutter and it becoming clear Joel Piroe is not good enough. Aaronson is naturally a 10 but Struijk commented on Gnonto’s post.
He hinted at a new role for winger Gnonto by commenting “CAM”, or central attacking midfield. Others also replied to Gnonto including Summerville who seemed impressed, as well as Bournemouth’s Anthony.
What are Farke’s options to play as a no.10 behind Joseph?
The most-glaring option is USA star Aaronson especially after his showing against Wednesday. The £25m signing is now Leeds’ top scorer for the 2024-25 season and The Whites are better off with Aaronson.
But Gnonto is more than capable of playing in that role and even swapping in-game with Aaronson while James or another winger stays wide. Ramazani is a winger, but Solomon has the creativity to play as a 10.
Farke does have options. Maybe not a blatantly-obvious 10 even if Aaronson is the most-natural option, but players that can be a 10 and importantly can swap role during a game to keep an opponent guessing.
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