By Noel Whelan

21st Jan, 2023 | 10:02am

Whelan issues 'horrible' Wilfried Gnonto verdict as Leeds United footage emerges

Noel Whelan has hailed Leeds United “fan favourite” Wilfried Gnonto after his breakthrough in recent weeks.

The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, singled out the 19-year-old’s “desire” to do the “horrible” things for his team.

As per footage from club media (19 January), Gnonto scored a sensational scissor kick to give Leeds United the lead in their FA Cup third-round replay against Cardiff on Tuesday (18 January) – earning comparisons to Paolo di Canio’s famous strike for West Ham in 2000.

The Italy international scored a brace in the 5-2 win – and has now notched three goals and one assist in his first 10 appearances for the Whites.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (20 January) that Leeds United are likely to end up paying over £10million in total for Gnonto following his remarkable start to life at Elland Road.

The youngster has stepped into the shoes of another breakout star in Crysencio Summerville – who has been ruled out until mid-February through injury.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “There are so many things that I love about his character, his football, his attitude when he’s on the field.

“It’s very rare you get a player who has the desire to do the horrible part of the game by running back 40 yards to show aggression and win back possession.

“He drives at players with pace and power, but he’s got the intelligence to pick the right pass. That’s very rare in someone so young.

“He’s very quickly becoming the fan’s favourite at Elland Road because of that.

“The first goal takes you back to the days of Di Canio. What a finish – I think it might have been better.

“What a player. He’s really showing his worth right now.”

In other news, Football Insider updates as former Man United man heads to Leeds United after work permit granted.