Dominican Republic media reacts to Leeds United star Junior Firpo display in 5-0 win
Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo has been lauded by the Dominican Republic media after his country’s 5-0 win over Antigua and Barbuda.
Firpo, 28, scored in the 88th and 92nd minutes to round off a stylish win away at the Bermuda National Stadium in the Concacaf Nations League.
The former Barcelona ace has been a regular for the Dominican Republic since declaring himself available to play for them earlier this year after previously representing Spain at youth level.
And he’s since been a popular player in the Caribbean, with the Dominican Republic’s official national team website (12 October) hailing the defender after the win.
“At the end of the match, Junior Firpo made his presence felt on two occasions, at 88′ after an assist from Michael Sambataro and at 90’+1′ from the penalty spot with a Panenka-style finish to seal the 5-0,” they wrote.
Diario Digital RD (12 October) also shared the same opinion as they raved about Firpo’s involvement.
“In the second half, the team continued to press and consolidate their dominance. Junior Firpo got on the scoresheet on two key occasions,” Diario Digital RD wrote.
“In the 88th minute, after Michael Sambataro set up the scoreboard, and in the 90+1 minute from the penalty spot, where Firpo finished Panenka style to seal the final score of 5-0”.
Junior Firpo could be key for Leeds United promotion hopes
Firpo has arguably been one of Leeds’ best players this term. The left-back has cemented the role in Farke’s team as his own and has managed to keep Sam Byram and summer arrival Isaac Schmidt out of the team [FC St. Gallen official website, 30 August].
Granted, Schmidt was signed as more of a winger than a full-back but for the vast majority of his career, he’s been used at left-back, meaning he’d be a valid option to replace Firpo if needed.
The defender has a rather attacking mindset when he’s on the pitch with fans often joking by saying “he’s never been a defender that lad”.
Firpo’s fine form for his country in their game on Saturday (12 October) where he managed to bag two goals with one even being a panenka penalty shows the threat he can be when called upon.
There were plenty of rumours in the summer surrounding his future [Mucho Deporte, 19 July] but since then, it seems as if he’s given the green light to Leeds for them to extend his stay at Elland Road [TEAMtalk, 12 September].
This is no doubt something that Farke will be pleased about, especially if they wish to gain Premier League promotion this term.
Firpo’s contribution this season has been stellar and if he manages to keep it up, there’s no knowing how pivotal he could become to Leeds’ season.
In other Leeds news, Jurgen Klopp has been mooted to advise Daniel Farke after a new development.
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