Pundit salutes ‘amazing’ Firpo after ‘brilliant’ Leeds reveal
Junior Firpo’s performance against Burnley was his “best in a Leeds United shirt by quite some margin”, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old will be “desperate” to maintain that level after struggling since his summer arrival.
Firpo played the full 90 minutes for just the second time since 2 October as Leeds United defeated relegation-threatened Burnley 3-1 at Elland Road on Sunday (2 January).
As per stat experts LUFCDATA post-match, the former Barcelona man was an important influence at both ends.
He won the most tackles of any player (five), made six final-third passes, and completed the second-most take-ons of any player (two).
Whelan suggested the Whites benefitted from welcoming back players like Firpo and Luke Ayling after recent injuries.
“Wow, it was brilliant to see Firpo playing at his best,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“The important thing was having all of the jigsaw pieces at our disposal. We had Ayling at right-back, two fit centre-halves, and Firpo on his natural left side – which allowed Stuart Dallas to play in that midfield role.
“Sunday was his best game since putting on a Leeds United shirt – by quite some margin. He looked every bit the player we bought in the summer.
“Hopefully he can maintain that sort of amazing form between now until the end of the season. That was the sort of performance we are expecting from him. He’ll be desperately trying to maintain those standards himself, too.”
Firpo joined Leeds United from Barcelona last summer (2021) for a reported £12.8million.
The 25-year-old has made 16 appearances across all competitions this term.
In other news, Kieran Maguire issues “£240million” reveal after Leeds United chief Radrizzani’s claim.