Daniel Farke will be apprehensive over the next several days as several Leeds United players represent their various countries.
Ao Tanaka started proceedings for Japan on Thursday afternoon, coming off the bench with little under 20 minutes remaining in a 7-0 victory over China.
Tanaka impressed in his brief cameo, completing 28 of 30 attempted passes as Japan began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a comfortable three points.
However, he is just one of numerous Leeds players on international duty this week, and Farke’s squad will have plenty of international involvement before their next game against Burnley.
Wilfried Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, Charlie Crew, Junior Firpo, Ilia Gruev, and Manor Solomon could all play some minutes for their respective countries.
What Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto has recently done for Italy’s U21s
In fact, one of those players, Gnonto of Italy U21s, has already played this afternoon.
Leeds star Gnonto and the rest of his young Azzurri colleagues are currently facing San Marino, but his involvement in the match has already ended.
With the score 2-0 at halftime, manager Carmine Nunziata decided to replace his captain, Gnonto.
At this point, it’s unclear whether this was tactical or injury-related. However, considering the score, the level of the opposition, his performance, the fact that two of his colleagues were injured in the first half, and the importance of their next game, it is safe to presume the former.
According to Sofa Score statistics, Gnonto had a terrific half of action but did not score. He executed 7/8 dribbles, 16/19 passes, 9/13 duels, and had 37 total touches, implying that he essentially ran the game.
Italy’s U21s face a vital journey to Norway in their second game of the break on Tuesday evening, which is the penultimate match of their European Championship qualification campaign.
Gnonto gains additional expertise in center role following Leeds exploits.
This season, Farke has allowed Gnonto greater freedom to wander centrally, and it has proven to be a successful strategy.
Jon Newsome rated his performance against Sheffield Wednesday as ‘unplayable’, and he appears to have been central again for Italy.
Gnonto was lining up in a front two alongside Francesco Pio Esposito, which can only benefit his return to Leeds as he gains more experience in those areas.
Despite the intensity of antagonism, it is evident that he delights in this role.
