Agbonlahor ‘can’t believe’ Wilfried Gnonto latest at Leeds United as £55m star cited
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted benched star Wilfried Gnonto is the player to rescue Leeds United from relegation this season.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, compared the 19-year-old to departed Whites star Raphinha – who joined Barcelona for a reported £55million fee last summer.
Despite his stunning breakthrough this season, Gnonto has found himself on the bench in crucial clashes against Chelsea and Brighton this month.
The Italy international has managed four goals and two assists in 19 appearances since joining the Elland Road club from FC Zurich last summer (2022).
Raphinha helped Leeds to Premier League safety last season, scoring 11 goals in 35 outings as a regular starter.
The Whites are in a similarly dangerous predicament in the 2022-23 campaign – and sit one point from safety in 19th.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he can be the one to get them out of this. I can’t believe he’s on the bench.
“He’s a top player. He might not be on Raphinha’s level just yet, as he’s only 19 – but he’s got that directness, that scary pace.
“He could do better with his final ball or with his finishing – but that will only get better and better in the future.
“I can see him being at that Raphinha level in the next couple of seasons.
“Leeds need him. He can turn up and produce big goals and big performances.
“It’s going to be a real battle, but for them to have the best chance of staying up – he has to be in that Leeds team. There’s no doubt about it.”
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