Wilfried Gnonto has expressed his delight at reaching 100 appearances for Leeds United but perhaps would have liked to mark the occasion with either a start or goal contribution.

None of those occurred in his 14 minutes against Sheffield Wednesday, meaning he has yet to score, assist or begin a Championship match in 2025 so far. In fact, he has started just one of the past six league fixtures.

His last goal came against Middlesbrough on December 10 and he did not register or set up a goal in 90 minutes against League Two Harrogate Town in the third round of the FA Cup earlier this month.

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Nevertheless, Daniel Farke spoke glowingly about Gnonto at Thorp Arch on Monday. “He has my trust and my backing,” the 48-year-old said.

“I don’t think there’s a winger or offensive player who has started more games than Willy Gnonto during the season, he has been involved in many starting line-ups. Overall, I am happy with his development as a person and as a player.

“He takes more responsibility. He is more mobile on the pitch and not static, much more likely and less predictable compared to last season. I like how he has developed as a player.”

However, there is a reason why he has not been getting as many minutes in recent weeks. “The only thing that is lacking a little bit at the moment is the end product, it’s something that he can add. Goals and assists," Farke added.

“At the beginning of the season he was pretty much on it. The last few weeks I think he has also been a bit unlucky in a few situations there. This is the only thing that has to come back to his game.”

Farke underlined that Gnonto is a “top teammate” and outlined that the winger does have fierce competition to contend with. Indeed, Manor Solomon has enjoyed a fruitful few weeks while Largie Ramazani has netted two in as many outings.

Solomon, though, is likely to miss Wednesday's match with Norwich City due to a hamstring issue. Ramazani is perhaps the first player Farke will turn to to replace him on the left wing given his recent strike rate but Gnonto might still get the nod to start.

Brenden Aaronson is a doubt for the midweek bout with the Canaries after picking up an ankle knock against Wednesday. Farke says he is “carefully optimistic” that he will be fine but with Burnley on Monday in mind, the American could be rested.

Gnonto has not started a match as the number 10 this season but Farke recently named him as one option who could do a job there. If both Solomon and Aaronson are absent, there may be little choice.

The manager has suggested that Joel Piroe can act as a supporting striker in the role, so that is also a possibility. But if Gnonto really does have the manager’s backing then it would seem wiser to play him behind the striker and keep Piroe in his best position.

Norwich have conceded in seven of their past eight matches, keeping just two clean sheets since the start of December. They have also become destabilised amid a spate of injuries and transfer exits in recent weeks.

Even if he comes on from the bench, Gnonto might fancy his chances of building on his four goals and five assists this season. Given he has registered just one goal and no assists in his last 11 matches, it is about time.