Junior Firpo has experienced a significant upturn in his performance for Leeds United since the beginning of the year. Initially hindered by injury and competition from Sam Byram, he made just one start in the first 26 Championship games. However, since a 3-0 victory over Birmingham City on January 1st, Firpo has excelled.
There were even talks of a possible departure from Elland Road before the January transfer window, with Real Betis reportedly interested and rumors suggesting Firpo himself was open to leaving. However, Leeds postponed their search for a new left-back after Firpo’s resurgence in form, a decision vindicated by his recent performances.
Firpo recently disclosed that Daniel Farke is his favorite Leeds manager since joining from Barcelona. His standout performance in the 4-3 win against Middlesbrough showcased his defensive improvement and attacking prowess, providing two crucial assists and making key interventions at the back.
His seven assists in 2024, all from open play, make him the leading player in this category in the Championship for the calendar year. Despite past doubts about his defensive abilities, Firpo’s recent displays have silenced critics and demonstrated his value to the team.
Leeds’ victory over Middlesbrough reignited their hopes for automatic promotion to the Premier League, with Firpo playing a pivotal role. However, concerns have emerged regarding Georginio Rutter’s form, with pundits questioning his recent performances and calling for improvement.
Leeds now find themselves in a tight race with Ipswich Town for the second promotion spot, with Firpo acknowledging the importance of their upcoming match against Queens Park Rangers. A win would increase the pressure on Ipswich, who have two games in hand but face a challenging run-in.
As the season reaches its climax, Leeds and Ipswich must navigate their remaining fixtures carefully to secure promotion. Firpo’s resurgence provides Leeds with a significant boost as they aim for a return to the Premier League.
