Gary Weaver names the ONE Leeds United player he believes is actually ‘overrated’

Gary Weaver Names the ONE Leeds United Player He Believes is Actually ‘Overrated’

Sky Sports commentator Gary Weaver has never been one to shy away from expressing bold opinions, and in his latest comments regarding Leeds United, he’s once again stirred the pot. In a discussion on a recent football podcast, Weaver named one Leeds player he believes is “actually overrated” — a claim that has already begun to divide opinion among the Elland Road faithful.

Weaver, who has covered Championship and Premier League football for years, praised Leeds for their progress under Daniel Farke and commended the club’s efforts in bouncing back from the disappointment of relegation. However, amid his analysis of the current squad, he dropped a surprising remark, suggesting that one highly-rated individual may not be living up to the hype surrounding him.

The player in question? Wilfried Gnonto.

Yes, the young Italian winger — often hailed as one of Leeds United’s most exciting attacking talents — has come under criticism from Weaver, who feels the player’s performances haven’t quite justified the acclaim. “There’s no doubt he’s got raw ability and an eye for goal,” Weaver admitted. “But when you strip it back and look at his influence over 90 minutes, over a full season, he just hasn’t had the consistency to be considered on the same level as some of his peers.”

Gnonto, who joined Leeds from FC Zürich in 2022, quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his explosive pace, flair on the ball, and a fearless attitude that belied his age. His debut Premier League campaign showcased moments of brilliance — a stunning goal against Cardiff in the FA Cup replay, his confident dribbling, and the energy he injected into Leeds’ attack. But for Weaver, those moments have been too few and far between to warrant the near cult-like status Gnonto has achieved among supporters.

“Fans love a young, dynamic winger who gets people off their seats — I understand that,” Weaver continued. “But we also have to be realistic. When you compare his end product, decision-making in the final third, and impact on big games, I think there’s a lot of work to be done. At this stage, I think the hype has outpaced the actual development.”

Weaver’s comments are unlikely to go down well with all Leeds fans, many of whom see Gnonto as a central figure in the club’s future. His international pedigree, having already earned caps for Italy’s senior team by the age of 18, has only added to the belief that he’s destined for stardom. His ability to beat defenders, stretch play, and produce game-changing moments makes him an asset — but as Weaver points out, the expectation may be placing unnecessary pressure on a still-developing talent.

There’s also the question of attitude. Gnonto found himself at the center of controversy early in the 2023–24 season when reports surfaced of him being unsettled and keen on a move away amid interest from Premier League clubs. Though the situation was eventually resolved and the player reintegrated into the squad, it left a sour taste for some observers, including Weaver. “It was an early red flag,” he said. “And while he’s young, professionalism matters — especially when you want to be the focal point of a team looking to get back into the top flight.”

Weaver concluded by reiterating that his criticism was not personal but grounded in a broader evaluation of the player’s impact relative to the expectations placed on him. “I hope he proves me wrong,” he said. “Because Leeds are a better team when he’s playing at his best. But for now, I just don’t see him as the finished article some fans think he already is.”

As always in football, opinions vary. But Gary Weaver’s comments are sure to spark debate among Leeds supporters and beyond, particularly as the team pushes for promotion and players like Gnonto look to prove their worth on the biggest stage.