The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 18th March) - Has Gnonto Staked His Claim to the No.10 Role?
Good Morning. It's Tuesday 18th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Has Gnonto Staked His Claim to the No.10 Role?
Following Leeds United’s second half performance against QPR, the question now looming large is whether Wilfried Gnonto should replace Brenden Aaronson in the No.10 role for Swansea’s visit to Elland Road. Aaronson has struggled to assert consistent influence in central areas, and his loose touch led directly to QPR’s opening goal in the 2-2 draw at Loftus Road. In contrast, Gnonto’s half-time introduction transformed the tempo and threat of Leeds’ attacking play. His direct running, ability to operate between the lines, and incisive passing, particularly the assist for Bogle’s equaliser, highlight the kind of dynamism Leeds have sometimes been lacking in that area.
Daniel Farke now faces a tactical dilemma. Aaronson brings energy and pressing, but he has often lacked the end product and control under pressure that a promotion chasing side requires from its creative fulcrum. Gnonto, meanwhile, offers flair, unpredictability, and increasingly mature decision-making in advanced positions. With Leeds’ promotion rivals breathing down their necks and margins tighter than ever, it may be time for Farke to hand Gnonto a start in the central role and test whether the Italian’s spark can ignite more dominant first-half performances.
Who would you go with against Swansea in the No.10 role?
Will Ampadu Be Key to Promotion Push?
Leeds United’s recent performances have reignited conversation around just how crucial Ethan Ampadu is to the heart of this team. The Welsh international offers not just composure in possession but also leadership qualities that have proven indispensable in high-pressure moments. His absence has coincided with periods where Leeds have struggled to control the tempo of games, particularly in transitional phases. As highlighted by several analysts, Ampadu’s ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and guide younger teammates through tense spells has been one of the unsung foundations of Leeds’ promotion push.
With the promotion race entering its most pivotal stage, Ampadu’s influence in the spine of the team could be the difference between securing automatic promotion or slipping into the unpredictability of the play-offs. His leadership, both vocal and by example, has often steadied Leeds when games threatened to spiral. The question now is whether Ampadu will be overcome his injury, avoid surgery and be available for the remaining games after the international break.
Is Ampadu’s calm control and battlefield intelligence decisive for the run-in?
A Blessing or a Curse?
Few phrases evoke as much anxiety among Leeds United supporters as "in our own hands." On paper, it's a position every club aspires to—control your destiny, win your games, and promotion is secured. But for Leeds fans, history has taught them to approach such scenarios with caution. Time and again, from the first season implosion against Derby under Marcelo Bielsa to fading away in last years Championship campaign, Leeds have faltered when holding the upper hand. The scars of squandered leads, late-season slips, and pressure-induced errors have made "in our own hands" feel less like a gift and more like a warning.
As this promotion race heats up, the question looms, does this control empower the squad, or does it burden them with the weight of expectation? For Daniel Farke and his players, maintaining composure in the face of history will be crucial. While the path is clear, the psychological strain of knowing there's no one else to blame if things go wrong can be crippling. Leeds have the talent, form, and fixtures to finish the job, but success may hinge on whether they can silence the ghosts of past failures and prove that this time, is having it in their own hands is a blessing or a curse?