Junior Firpo’s move to Leeds from Barcelona last summer was seen as something of a coup for the Yorkshire club, but it hasn’t quite gone to plan so far for the Spaniard.
Indeed, Firpo has been described as ‘terrible’ since arriving in West Yorkshire and, to be honest, he’s looked a little bit lost in this team.
However, there is still time for the 25-year-old to make an impact, and he could be given a new lease of life at Elland Road if Nuno Espirito Santo gets the job.
Firpo’s main strugglea at Leeds have been defensively. He’s been far too lax at the back, and, in all honesty, it’s been impossible to rely on him.
However, if he was to play in Nuno’s 3-4-3 formation, he would be utilised as a wing-back rather than a full-back and that would mask his defensive frailties.
Think about it, Leeds do have the personnel to play a back three, with Pascal Struijk, Max Wober and Robin Koch all looking like centre-backs who are suited to that system.
Nuno has a reputation for getting the best out of his wing-backs, and this could be just what Firpo needs. The likes of Matt Doherty and Jonny Otto played the best football of their careers under the Portuguese coach, and there is no reason why Firpo can’t do the same.
The 3-4-3 formation allows for more attacking freedom for the wing-backs, and this is something that Firpo would relish. He is a player who likes to get forward and support the attack, and in this system, he would be given more license to do so. This could help him to showcase his attacking abilities more and potentially give him the confidence to be a star in England after a slow star.
Make no mistake about it, Firpo isn’t a bad player. After all, you don’t play for Barcelona if you haven’t got something about you. He’s just been playing in a system that doesn’t suit him, but that could change if Nuno gets the job.
Whether or not the ex-Wolves boss is appointed at Leeds remains to be seen, but if he is, Firpo could benefit massively.
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