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Leeds icon tells ‘pocket rocket’ Wilfried Gnonto to snub Chelsea & Arsenal transfers as he gives Marcus Rashford example

, Leeds icon tells ‘pocket rocket’ Wilfried Gnonto to snub Chelsea & Arsenal transfers as he gives Marcus Rashford example

DANNY MILLS has urged Wilfried Gnonto to think hard about his future with the big boys circling.

The Leeds winger is attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City after some dazzling displays this season.

Gnonto is a ‘bundle of energy’ but needs to boost his numbers, according to one Leeds icon

Danny Mills pointed to the inconsistency of Marcus Rashford as evidence of why Gnonto should stay put at Elland Road

But Elland Road legend Mills thinks there is a lot more to come from the 19-year-old as his goal return is not enough for his ability.

Italian Gnonto has just two Premier League goals to his name, with three assists, in 17 appearances.

And Mills hopes he improves that this season to keep Leeds in the top flight before being brave enough to stay for one more season.

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He said: “It’s an interesting one. He’s exciting, he’s a bundle of energy . . . but his numbers aren’t amazing.

“Two goals he’s got. He’s been fantastic to watch but you have to turn around at some stage and say, ‘You need a bit more end product’.

“He gets in fantastic positions, he’s a pocket rocket, up and down, all over the place. But only two goals, for a winger in this day and age in the Prem, he needs more than that.”

Gnonto moved from FC Zurich last summer. He started the season in the Under-23s before a quick promotion to the first team under Jesse Marsch.

Mills added: “I’ve seen too many young players leave too soon. A lot of them have done that from Leeds. Players like Jack Clarke to Spurs, Sam Byram to West Ham, went too early.

“You go from starting to not playing football as often and that’s hard to take. Take another season, back yourself, forget the money, it’s not about that now.

“Focus on games, matches and minutes under your belt and improve as an individual.”

And former England right-back Mills — capped 19 times — also hopes Italy star Gnonto can show some more consistency at Elland Road.

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He added: “Sometimes it’s very easy to put together a highlight reel.

“He has huge potential, is on the rise and could be an absolute star, but how many times have we seen that before?

“You’ve seen Jadon Sancho start amazingly, then a dip. Marcus Rashford had a huge start and then has a dip before this amazing season.

“Lots of young players burst on to the scene and it’s fabulous.

“Then all of a sudden, next season, your standards are higher and there’s no longer the unknown factor. Consistency as a young player is never easy.”

Leeds are still right in the relegation battle and Mills called on the more experienced heads to get them out of trouble.

, Leeds icon tells ‘pocket rocket’ Wilfried Gnonto to snub Chelsea & Arsenal transfers as he gives Marcus Rashford example
Pundit Danny Mills gave his take on his former club

They face Liverpool today having watched West Ham draw with Arsenal and Bournemouth, Wolves and Crystal Palace all pick up big weekend wins.

Interim boss Javi Gracia admits he is feeling the pressure and that he barely sleeps as Leeds try to escape the drop.

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But Mills feels that Gracia’s calm head on the touchline can help them get across the line after he replaced sacked  Marsch in February.

He added: “Marsch was a bottle of pop on the sidelines, fizzing over too often. The focus was on him and it meant too much attention.

“It’s calmer, more sensible under Javi. He got some results but it’s going to be nip and tuck right to the end.”

Leeds capitulated last time out against a resurgent Palace and lost 5-1 at home.

But beating Nottingham Forest and Wolves before that, and drawing with Brighton, boosted their cause.

Mills, who played more than 100 top-flight games for Leeds and was part of a 2001 charge to the Champions League semi-final, said: “Everybody wants passion from team, players . . . passion is what makes football.

“But what you don’t need is emotion spilling over. There’s a very thin line.

“I worked under Howard Wilkinson with England and he’d say, ‘Come on, fire in the belly, ice in the head’.

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“Jesse got sucked into playing to the crowd too much and that nervous energy can translate. Too much pressure doesn’t make it easy.”

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