When Stoke City inevitably drop into a low block tomorrow night and look to frustrate Leeds United, do not worry about the visitors’ frame of mind. Wilfried Gnonto says the team has total confidence in how they go about breaking down such an opposition shape.

They have had enough practice. Since the start of last season, the vast majority of United’s opponents have stuck 10 men behind the ball and congested their own penalty area. They have asked Daniel Farke’s side to break them down and it’s not always been an easy watch.

Gnonto spoke to the media during the club’s annual Christmas visit to young patients in hospital, at Leeds General Infirmary, and was asked about what the players are saying to one another when they are met with low blocks like those at Deepdale this month.

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“We have been in this situation many times this season already, but we are calmer than people think,” he said. “It's crazy to say, but I always felt like we had the chances to win.

“It wasn't possible, but at the same time, a point is good. We have seen the situation and everything. We're always really calm, try to support ourselves, try to push ourselves and when we have this quality, we have Mateo [Joseph] coming on, Manor [Solomon] coming on, Largie [Ramazani] coming on, you know you can win the game.”

Gnonto was delighted to help where he could with United’s hospital visit. He remembers how excited he was, as a youth, to meet his favourite footballers. The Italian acknowledges it cannot be easy for those on wards over the festive period.

“I would say it's tough because, of course, it's not nice to see kids like this, but, at the same time, when we can help, we like to do it,” he said. “We know we can make a small difference in their day. We are happy to do it and it's nice to see them smiling.”

He added: “All of them were quite happy to see us. There were a couple of Leeds fans as well, so they were even happier, but, as I said, it's nice to do something for them and even if it's not a lot, we can still make the day a bit better.

“We have been all kids. I've been like this. I was dreaming of seeing my idols as well. If I can go and do it, I'm happy to do it. I would like to do it even more.”

Sheffield United are leading the way in the second tier at Christmas. The Blades were soundly beaten at Elland Road in October, but have had the edge across the 22 games up to now.

“They are first, so probably, until now, they've been the best team, but at the same time, we're quite confident,” said Gnonto. “We know we already won against them, so I don't think we are less than them.

“We just have to keep going, keep working hard and then we're going to see where we're going to be.”