Leeds United have returned to the top of the Championship table at least for 24 hours after Saturday afternoon’s 2-0 victory over Derby County at Elland Road.
But there was one element of disappointment on the day. Daniel Farke will have been delighted that he was able to name Ethan Ampadu as a substitute, with Ampadu initially ruled out until the new year.
After losing at Blackburn, Leeds eased to a 2-0 win at Elland Road. Joe Rodon an Max Wober were the unlikely goalscorers for Leeds, both opening their accounts for the Yorkshire club with smart finishes.
The win sees Leeds climb back to first place after Burnley drew with Middlesbrough on Tuesday night. Sunderland picked up a win, but Leeds are now top with Sheffield United in action against West Brom.
Jermaine Beckford says one Leeds United player must improve
Junior Firpo was a doubt going into the match, but Farke named him in the starting line-up to face The Rams. However, after 20 minutes, he limped off and was replaced by goalscorer Wober on Leeds’ left.
Daniel Farke issued an update on Firpo after the win, while Firpo told Leeds fans that he will be back soon. Before the game on LUTV’s Matchday Live, Jermaine Beckford summed up Firpo’s three years at Leeds.
“He had a tricky start at Leeds, let’s not beat around the bush with that. But he’s grow into his position, grown into the role, the city, the club. We’re starting to see the best of him when we’re in possession.
“When he’s away with the national team, we know he can score. He’s got assists in the bag. He just needs to improve on defensive elements, every now and then he gets caught out by quicker, trickier opponent.”
Could this be Junior Firpo’s last season at Leeds United?
As we edge closer to January, it is looking like a real possibility. Firpo is out of contract at the end of the season, and if Leeds would rather bring in some cash rather than losing him on a free, he must be sold.
But, the chances are that Leeds will wait until the end of the season before making a decision on Firpo. The 49ers will likely risk losing him on a free, with Firpo perhaps happy to sign on if Leeds get promoted.
Leeds have been linked with a number of left-sided defenders. Gent’s Archie Brown has been linked with Leeds again, as has Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin while Swedish star Daniel Svensson is a Leeds target.
Leeds are prepared to lose Firpo especially as non-English clubs can approach him from January 1 on a pre-contract arrangement but it is 50-50 for Firpo, whether Leeds do gain promotion or fail to go up.
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