Bielsa tipped to unleash ‘brilliant’ Leeds star against Norwich today after Firpo update
Noel Whelan has tipped Marcelo Bielsa to bring Junior Firpo straight back into the Leeds United starting XI against Norwich City.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker suggested the 25-year-old’s return would allow the Argentinian boss ot unleash Stuart Dallas in midfield.
As confirmed on Friday, Firpo is back available for selection after his recent injury layoff.
The summer signing has missed Leeds’ last two Premier League games with a minor muscle strain.
Dallas has filled in at left-back in the former Barcelona defender’s absence.
However, Whelan has insisted the Whites have missed the Northern Ireland star’s energy and dynamism in midfield.
As such, he tipped Bielsa to axe someone to bring Firpo back into the starting lineup at Carrow Road.
Asked if he thought Firpo would make an immediate return to the starting XI, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Yeah, I think so.
“As much as Stuart Dallas can play everywhere, he’ll give 100 per cent and he’s brilliant in either position, I think he’s more beneficial to Leeds United in that midfield area.
“With his attacking ability and that energy that he brings to the team, I think Leeds really need that against a team like Norwich.
“He finds those areas, he can drive with the ball and he links up well. He can work across that midfield area. Give him a little bit of a free role at times. Just to find those spaces and hurt Norwich in areas that you can.
“He’ll link up play with Raphinha, Dan James or Harrison, whoever it may be on that on the wings.
“In my opinion, he’s got to be in midfield with the quality and the goal threat he possesses. Also, that creativity. I think Leeds would benefit with him in that midfield area.”
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