Junior Firpo tipped to play major Leeds United role next season for Jesse Marsch – Sky pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Paul Robinson has tipped Junior Firpo to improve upon his performances from last season as he’ll get more chances at Leeds United in the upcoming 2022/23 campaign.
Stuart Dallas has been ruled out for the rest of the year with a fractured femur and that means Firpo, 25, is currently the only out-and-out left-back option in Jesse Marsch’s senior squad.
Leeds are reportedly looking at signing a new left-back with Stoke’s Josh Tymon recently being linked with a move to Elland Road [Football Insider].
Robinson, however, has suggested that while Leeds’ left-back area does need an addition, he’s still backed Firpo to improve his game after a disappointing debut season with the Whites last time out.
“It’s an area that I wouldn’t be surprised if they strengthened in,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“I think Junior Firpo struggled defensively but it was his first season so you have to give players some time to settle.
“Offensively, he gave the team a lot going forward and the manager might not have given up on him.
“You’ve seen enough there for potential but it’s a really big challenge for him this year to step up to the plate.
“If they do strengthen that area, I wouldn’t be surprised because Dallas has been used there but he’s going to be out for a long period.
“He possibly would have been the preferred option to start at left-back if he was fit but Firpo will probably be the first option now.
“We’ve seen enough from him to see a player there but he needs to get better defensively.“
Firpo played 26 times in all competitions for Leeds last season after swapping Barcelona for West Yorkshire.
He was involved in just one goal, which was an assist against Manchester United in February.
The ex-Barca left-back was booked 11 times in his 23 Premier League appearances and struggled with injuries too.
In other Leeds United news, this Leeds player has been spotted on the plane to Australia with the rest of the squad despite major transfer news emerging this weekend.