Junior Firpo, a Leeds United defender, demonstrated his strengths in attack but weaknesses in defense against Sheffield Wednesday.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has defended his full-back Junior Firpo following a torrid night against Sheffield Wednesday. The Dominican Republic native received some criticism online for his subpar performance, which included at least four first-half blunders that led to decent chances for the hosts at Hilsborough in Leeds’ 2-0 triumph.
Firpo, like his Leeds teammates, improved after halftime, providing a brilliant assist for the opening goal late in the first half, but it was not his best night in a Leeds shirt. Farke admitted that if Firpo had it all in both defense and attack, Leeds would be unable to afford him.
“Yes, Junior’s an attacking minded full-back and he suits our game that much because he can join the attack,” Farke said. “He’s been outstanding in recent weeks. Yes, when defending, he may be more focused, but there were times when we weren’t in excellent position.
“He is a menace in possession and has generated numerous opportunities. If he could perform both things at the highest level, we couldn’t afford him. He has numerous strengths, and I am glad he could demonstrate them.”
A difficult and frequently subpar first half finished in the greatest possible way, with Patrick Bamford opening the score to send the visitors into the break on top, while sucking away the hosts’ and Hillsborough’s confidence. That was clear in the second half, when errors crept into the Owls’ play, and Leeds capitalised, with Wilfried Gnonto extending their lead.
Leeds have back to second place in the Championship rankings, for the time being, with all eyes on how Leicester City fare at promotion-chasing Hull City on Saturday afternoon, and Ipswich Town face Cardiff City in an early lunchtime kick-off.
