It may ‘only’ have been against the British Virgin Islands, but Junior Firpo has a new role at international level – and it’s one Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will no doubt have taken note of.
The Dominican Republic left-back ended the season strongly for the Whites, contributing an impressive eight assists from the left flank as Leeds narrowly missed out on a place in the Premier League. The 27-year-old is out of contract next summer, which has led to some speculation over his future.
Leeds would not want to risk losing him for nothing in 12 months’ time, so there are some reports that they might decide to cash in on him in the transfer window. However, Farke is well aware of Firpo’s contribution to his side both defensively and in attack, and with right-back already a problem position, may not want to have to find two full-backs this summer.
Firpo made only his fourth appearance for the Dominican Republic this week, after opting to represent the country following four caps for Spain at Under-21 level. He played the full 90 minutes of their 4-0 victory over the British Virgin Islands – but the positon he took up was very different to club level.
He was used as one of two support strikers behind frontman Dorny Romero, setting up the fourth goal for the striker. Farke has used Georginio Rutter in this role last season, with Brenden Aaronson also now back in the squad for the coming campaign.
Whether he would be open to utilising Firpo’s undoubted creative talents in this role is open to speculation, but with doubts over the future of Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto, a 4-3-2-1 formation could fit the bill should Leeds find themselves two wingers down. We perhaps shouldn’t expect to see Firpo in a No 10 role any time soon, but it’s certainly food for thought for the Leeds boss.
