Junior Firpo destroyed after 'embarrassing' incident in Leeds United showdown v Southampton
Leeds United defender Junior Firpo has been torn into by Beren Cross for an "embarrassing" moment in the Whites' clash with Southampton.
Daniel Farke's side's slim hopes of an automatic promotion place were lost as the Whites were beaten 2-1 by Southampton at Elland Road on Saturday (4 May) with Joel Piroe's goal little more than a consolation.
While none of Farke's squad exactly flourished on a difficult afternoon for Leeds, Leeds Live journalist Cross was quick to take aim at Firpo after he failed to track Kyle Walker-Peters for the away side's second goal.
Writing on X on Saturday (4 May) he said: "Embarrassing for Firpo. He lets Walker-Peters chase after a long ball he wrongly assumes is going out of play. Right-back blitzes past him and crosses for a Smallbone tap-in. Leeds defence is so poor."
Will Junior Firpo leave Leeds United and Elland Road in the summer transfer window?
This sort of inconsistency has been Firpo's biggest issue throughout his time at Elland Road. At his best, the left-back can be capable of moments of genuine magic, but at his worst, he can look like he's never defended before in his life.
His manner as he closed down Walker-Peters on Saturday was not that of a defender trying to help his side win automatic promotion, rather it looked like a player who was already thinking about his summer holidays.
Every player makes mistakes, but a lack of effort or commitment can be unforgivable. Firpo simply had to do more to stop that attack because the goal came from nothing more than a hopeful long ball up the field.
It has already been suggested that the defender could leave Elland Road this summer and with performances like this, not too many supporters will be too disappointed.
In other Leeds United news, a new stumbling block has emerged in the Whites' transfer push for Joe Rodon
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