Leeds United’s 2-0 victory over Norwich City at Elland Road was not the only ‘win’ the Championship table-toppers enjoyed on Wednesday night.
At least, that was the view of Daniel Farke.
While goals from Manor Solomon and Dan James saw off Norwich – Farke’s former employers swept aside in the most routine of 2-0 home wins – what left the Leeds United boss equally pleased was the sight of Ilia Gruev and Junior Firpo coming through substitute appearances unscathed after recent injury absences.
This was Gruev’s second Championship appearance since the Bulgarian midfielder underwent knee surgery at the start of October.
As for Firpo, the former Barcelona left-back returned to selection having not featured since December. And what an impact he made in his 35 or so minutes on the Elland Road turf.
Daniel Farke delighted by Junior Firpo impact as Leeds United beat Norwich
Shortly after arriving onto the scene in place of Sam Byram, Firpo played a lovely one-two with Solomon down the flank. And, once Firpo’s initial cross was only half-cleared by the Norwich backline, Solomon then floated a gorgeous ball to the back post for James to finish in style.
After fitness issues interrupted what was arguably his best run of form in a Leeds shirt – Firpo provided a goal and three assists in the space of eight league matches from August to October – Farke is delighted to have one of his best ball-carriers and a real creative outlet back at his disposal.
“Ilia Gruev desperately needs a few more minutes. The same also with Junior Firpo, it was beneficial for them to get more minutes. So, just win, win, win situations,” a delighted Farke told reporters at full-time, suggesting that the £13 million will have a big part to play in a proverbial six-pointer next time out.
“I don’t think we will be successful on Monday [against Burnley just because of] a stroke of tactical genius from myself. Obviously, Junior is very important for us. He had many assists and [good] end product when he was playing regularly.
“Now, he’s coming off an injury where he was away for six weeks and he desperately needs minutes, competitive minutes.
“I think he was good going forward [against Norwich]. He was involved in several good things. Transition moments, he could have reacted a bit quicker but overall an important 40 minutes for him to return to his best.
“The minutes will definitely help him. If Junior is back to his fitness level, he is a really, really good option.”
Farke also hails Jayden Bogle after another Elland Road win
Junior Firpo has been linked with a return to Real Betis in recent times. Farke will be desperate to retain his services, however, with the Dominican Republic international offering real, natural depth down the left-hand side.
Firpo was not the only full-back who caught the eye against Norwich, though.
Farke feels that Jayden Bogle has been Leeds United’s best performer over the last ten matches, with the £5 million acquisition from Sheffield United faultless at both ends once again in midweek.
“Jayden Bogle has been my player of the match for the past ten games,” Farke beams. “This was a normal game by his high standards. He is outstanding and a top-class character.
“Great performances in attack and defence.”
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