Danny Murphy tips Leeds left-back Junior Firpo for great things in 2021-22
Danny Murphy has tipped Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo as one of the players to watch out for in the new Premier League season.
The Spanish defender joined the Elland Road outfit early in the summer from Barcelona, and he has impressed during the pre-season games.
The 24-year-old replaced Gjanni Alioski, and Murphy reckons he would take the English top-flight by storm and hit the ground running when the 2021-22 campaign starts.
“I’d almost describe him as eccentric in that he’s a flying machine who likes to show off what he’s got. But there is definite pedigree in there,” the BBC pundit told Daily Mail.
“Barcelona paid Betis £27million for him a few years ago and the only reason he didn’t establish himself at the Nou Camp was because he had to compete with Jordi Alba.
“He can also slot in at centre-back if necessary but it’ll be his runs up the left touchline which will get fans off the edge of their seats.”
Definitely!
Firpo has a lot to prove after struggling at the Camp Nou over the last two seasons, and he would be more than eager to do so in Leeds colours.
He was one of best full-backs in the La Liga during his Betis days, and Barca clearly believed he could give Alba a run for the money.
That did not go as planned, but the defender has shown flashes of his talents during some of the few minutes he has played for us so far.
Getting a player that has everything it takes to become a Spain international is huge for Leeds, and head coach Marcelo Bielsa can surely help him fulfill that potential.
The new season starts with a clash against Manchester United, and Firpo could not have asked for a better game to make his competitive debut for us.
He will be coming up against some of the best attackers in the land, and he has the chance to lay down the marker by putting in an impressive shift.
Whatever happens at Old Trafford on Saturday, a game is not enough to draw conclusions, but we believe the Whites have landed a top player.
In other Leeds news, Jermaine Beckford shares surprise at Whites summer transfer business.