It is difficult to choose a Leeds United player that might honestly be able to say they had a good game on Saturday during the 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
Daniel Farke’s old Norwich protege Todd Cantwell scored from the penalty spot for John Eustace’s side. A goal that proved to be the only goal of the game, after Ao Tanaka had conceded a penalty in the first half.
A third Championship defeat, and a third 1-0 loss for Farke to Eustace since the German arrived at Elland Road. Not good reading for Leeds, who had come into the game after three wins in a row beforehand.
Farke had made two changes to his Leeds side. In came Dan James after his goal against Luton Town on Wednesday night in place of Manor Solomon, while Junior Firpo is back after suspension for Sam Byram.
Daniel Farke blasts Leeds star Junior Firpo for below-par display
Since relegation to the Championship and the arrival of Farke at Leeds, Firpo has been excellent. The kind of attacking talent Leeds fans had hoped for in the Premier League when Firpo joined from Barcelona.
He’s been superb but against Millwall this month, he was given a retrospective three-match ban for head-butting Danny McNamara. On Saturday, he finally returned but Farke was not impressed with his display.
“Rusty, due to his his suspension, broke his rhythm. No excuses. Better second half, but not at top level in the first half. Schmidt or Byram would have given us options. Was hoping for a better first half, sadly not.”
Junior Firpo’s stats for Leeds United against Blackburn
Firpo might not have been great in the eyes of Farke but actually, his stats against Blackburn were largely impressive on Saturday. His passing was up at a rate of 93%, though he contributed little going forward.
Junior Firpo’s stats as Leeds lose to Blackburn:
- Two successful dribbles, four attempted
- 43 attempted passes, 46 completed
- 10 defensive actions, four recoveries
- One interception, two blocks, four-headed clearances
- Six duels won, nine attempted
But Firpo was hardly the worst out there as Leeds struggled as a collective. Much better will be needed on a regular basis if the Whites are to go and win a place in the Premier League at the end of the season.
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