Jesse Marsch has praised Junior Firpo whilst effectively confirming that the left back will start for Leeds United against Leicester City.
The Whites are in Premier League action once again tonight as they make the trip to the King Power Stadium.
Leeds were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal on Sunday and that means it’s now two points in the last six games for Marsch.
The American needs a result soon and Leeds will hope that it comes against Leicester tonight with both sides struggling for form.
Jesse Marsch has praised Junior Firpo
There is a blow for Leeds ahead of tonight’s game though.
Pascal Struijk will miss out having picked up a ‘minor injury’, meaning the Dutchman will need to be replaced at left back.
Struijk has filled in admirably but is more of a centre back by trade and his injury opens the door for a natural left back to start in Firpo.
The Spaniard endured a tricky first season at Elland Road after joining from Barcelona.
Once highly rated at Real Betis, Firpo has struggled to get back on track and has endured an injury-hit start to the season.
A knee problem means Firpo has yet to start a game this season and has only played 32 minutes having come on as a substitute against Aston Villa earlier this month.
Firpo is now in line to start tonight with Struijk out and Marsch has moved to praise the 26-year-old.
Marsch has told The Athletic that he has of course heard all the criticism for Firpo but admits he can only speak highly of the defender.
Marsch noted that Firpo is one of the best passers in the Leeds team whilst hailing his athleticism, intelligence and tactical awareness.
The American added that Firpo can become a ‘big player’ at Leeds and he’s excited to see him start tonight.
“I’ve heard criticism of Junior from the past or whatever,” said Marsch. “I can only tell you that since I’ve been here, he has in every way tried to adapt and learn and grow into the player I believe he can be. For me, his technical ability and passing ability is one of the best in the team. His athleticism is definitely on the high end of our team. His intelligence is very high. His tactical awareness is also very keen.”
“If he can continue to add the right kind of aggressiveness, then he can grow into a real defender and be a real two-way player — especially at left-back; there aren’t a lot of players like that out in the world. I believe he can be a big player here, no doubt, he has everything he needs and his commitment to do that is at a high level even at a moment where Pascal has been playing and it’s not easy for him to accept being on the bench. But he’ll be ready for tomorrow, I’m 100 per cent sure of it. I’m excited for him to be on the pitch,” he added.
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