Leeds United boss Daniel Farke already has Georginio Rutter replacement right under his nose

-Credit: (Image: Mark Kerton/REX/Shutterstock)
-Credit: (Image: Mark Kerton/REX/Shutterstock)


Georginio Rutter's departure for Brighton was one of the more disappointing exits this summer from a Leeds United perspective. The French forward was one of the standout performers in the Championship last season with six goals and 15 assists in the second tier.

In all competitions he managed 24 contributions, leaving behind a void that needs to be filled. Daniel Farke's side were unable to bring in a number 10 in the recent transfer market, with uncertainty over who will fill that position.

Brenden Aaronson has two goals in four Championship appearances operating in the number 10, but there are still question marks over his ability to consistently deliver in the final third. We saw that against Portsmouth where he grabbed a late equaliser, but moments later, fluffed his lines with an effort that would have guaranteed Leeds the win had he got it on target.

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Farke needs consistency from his forward players if the Whites want to realise their Premier League ambitions, which is where Wilfried Gnonto comes into play. The recent international break has shown the Whites boss there's an alternative to Aaronson in the advanced attacking midfield role

Gnonto played 88 minutes for Italy's U21s in their 3-0 win over Norway in their Under-21s European qualifier in midweek. The Leeds forward popped up with an assist for Tommaso Baldanzi’s opener, with a perfect outside of the foot pass.

The 20-year-old looked effective in that position during the second-half against Sheffield Wednesday, but has spent the majority of his Leeds tenure playing off the wing. Interestingly, Gnonto has 22 goals and seven assists in 53 games when playing as a second striker or number 10. Most of those appearances came earlier in his career or with his international side. But as we saw during the recent break, he's a possibility for Farke in behind the main striker.