Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo has told Sport that his previous injury problems are now behind him and suggested that he feels that he is starting to adapt to the Premier League.
Firpo’s time in England has been turbulent to say the least. He became the latest potential answer to our left-back curse which stretches all the way back to Charlie Taylor’s departure in 2017.
Unfortunately, it appeared for a long time that the curse was continuing. Firpo had a nightmare first season at Elland Road. And it carried on into his second year, with injury ruling him out for much of the campaign.
Junior Firpo suggests reason for upturn in Leeds form
His return was delayed with Pascal Struijk playing well at left-back. But he has come back in for the last few games.
And, whisper it very quietly, but Firpo has done well. He had arguably his best ever game for Leeds in the home clash against Manchester United. And he was one of the only decent performers in the shocking display at Everton.
It seems that there is a reason Firpo has stepped up more recently. The defender gave an interview in which he suggested he had made changes which are having a positive impact on his game.
“Yes, I am very happy. I have already forgotten the injuries. I have put myself in the hands of a nutritionist and a cook and the injuries are behind us,” he told Sport.
“Yes, I am playing and I am increasingly adapted to the Premier League.”
Firpo has a long way to go before he convinces everyone that he can be a really good signing for Leeds. Unfortunately, he has made a number of costly mistakes. And some of his decision-making has been extremely questionable.
Having said that, if his last few performances are a sign of what is to come, then he will eventually silence all of his doubters.
The problem is that that still feels like a big if at this stage.
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