Dean Jones feels Wilfried Gnonto will eventually establish himself as a regular starter for Leeds United in the Championship.
The Italy international has started three consecutive matches for the Whites in all competitions, with two of them coming in the FA Cup.
Daniel Farke had favoured Daniel James on the right and Crysencio Summerville on the left, but the former is injured.
Even when those two are healthy and available, Sports Lens writer Jones believes Gnonto is too good not to use more frequently.
“Gnonto will become a regular starter again,” he told Give Me Sport on February 9. “He had a bit of a rocky season.
“But once he smiles again, we will see his best side. Leeds supporters are trying to be patient with this guy. They attempted to give him a chance.
“They would have doubted his allegiance to them at times, as well as his desire to be present.
“But, in Gnonto’s defence, he’s only trying to ensure that he’s on the right career path for him.
“He isn’t getting nearly enough playing time this season to meet his expectations.
“On his day, he’s perhaps the best player in the division. Leeds have something special under their sleeves to use in these last months.”
Wilfried Gnonto is benefiting from Daniel James’ absence.
Gnonto’s slow start this season was exacerbated by self-inflicted transfer controversy last summer.
The 20-year-old effectively went on strike in an attempt to force a move to Everton, who turned down several big-money offers.
There’s nothing wrong with a player wanting to play in the Premier League, but Gnonto owed it to Leeds to help them get back on track.
Even up until a month or so ago, Gnonto was at a crossroads, unable to even make a start for a second-tier squad.
However, he has now scored in consecutive games – victories over Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle – and is finally gaining traction.
Gnonto is expected to start again against Rotherham United on Saturday (10 February), so it is very much his jersey to lose at this point.
