When Leeds United fans assess who was the biggest surprise in Daniel Farke’s squad last season, it seems probable that many would choose Junior Firpo, especially given that few expected him to stay at Elland Road following relegation.
Junior Firpo has had a rocky experience at Leeds. For a moment, it appeared that Victor Orta had become enamored with the prospect of signing a player from one of the world’s most prestigious teams and had overlooked how well he suited Leeds’ playing style.
For a while, it appeared that Firpo was destined to assist continue the left-back curse that had evidently haunted Elland Road in the years following Charlie Taylor’s departure.
However, Firpo stayed as Leeds sought to return to the Premier League at the earliest opportunity, and he eventually proved to be an important component of the team that came agonisingly close to promotion, providing eight assists in just 29 games.
Junior Firpo’s revival should motivate Leeds teammates.
Of course, Firpo will always have limitations, especially defensively, as evidenced by a mistake he made on the final day of the regular season. It looks that Leeds will not consider extending Firpo’s contract, which expires next summer.
While Leeds are in the second division, Firpo has the ability to make a significant difference – which may motivate another player who has been virtually cast off by Elland Road fans.
Rasmus Kristensen is unlikely to play for Leeds again given the current situation. His year with the Whites’ squad was incredibly disappointing, with the Dane previously regarded as a fighter who would also contribute in the final third following his £10 million arrival. Unfortunately, Kristensen was outmuscled by Pedro Neto for an early Wolves goal in his debut, and things didn’t improve from there.
There are questions over whether Rasmus Kristensen will play next season.
He had a few bright moments, including a goal in the opposite fixture at Molineux. However, few tears were shed when Kristensen was one of the players to sign a loan deal away from the club 12 months ago. Many would have anticipated that he would do well enough to gain a permanent transfer to Roma.
However, Kristensen is still a Leeds player, so Daniel Farke may decide to give him a look in pre-season, especially given the Whites’ current lack of depth at right-back.
Ideally, Leeds would buy another right-back before the season begins, potentially pushing Kristensen out, but if the 26-year-old stays, he might have a beneficial impact in the second tier.
Leeds would be taking a tremendous risk if they were promoted and kept Firpo at left-back, but he definitely has an essential role to play against inferior opponents. Perhaps this will give fans some hope if Kristensen stays at the club for the upcoming season.
