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Bielsa is exposing Firpo but he's about to 'explode' at Leeds - pundit
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Junior Firpo to come good for Leeds United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker suggested Leeds’ one on one system will leave players like Firpo exposed.
The defender was handed his first start since the beginning of October during the 0-0 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend (27 November).
He was taken off at half-time after struggling to deal with the attacking threat of Tariq Lampety.
Marcelo Bielsa then decided to drop him to the bench against Crystal Palace yesterday (31 November) but he was then himself introduced at the interval.
A £13million summer signing from Barcelona, Firpo has failed to nail down a regular place in Bielsa’s starting XI due to injury and mixed form.
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Asked for his assessment of Firpo’s first few months for Leeds, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “He’s done OK.
“Maybe he needs more time to come good. Coming to a new country cannot be easy.
“Playing in the Premier League you come up against really quick wingers and players. Tariq Lamptey is very quick.
“They way Leeds play, one v one, you’ve got no help so sometimes you’re going to get skinned and you’re going to get taken on. It’s normal.
“I wouldn’t worry about him. I feel he’s a good player and he will explode for Leeds soon.”
Firpo has now featured in 11 games for Leeds across all competitions, including six Premier League starts.
The 25-year-old signed a five-year deal at Elland Road upon completing his move from Barcelona in July.
In other news, an injury expert has named Luke Ayling’s exact comeback date after a ‘definite sign’ at Leeds United.