Farke and Firpo will talk about new terminology.
Leeds United’s manager Daniel Farke recently said in an interview that he did not have time to sit down with Junior Firpo to talk fresh terms, which expire at the end of the season, following a “difficult Summer.” The 28-year-old has finally found his footing after an uneven start to his Elland Road career. A significant portion of the Elland Road supporters, who had called for his departure just two years ago, had come around to his attacking style in particular.
After his performance against Burnley, Farke especially lauded his professionalism and leadership abilities, considering that he had only returned to the country 24 hours earlier from international service with the Dominican Republic. It’s debatable if Firpo is what we’re looking for if and when we make it to the Premier League, but for now at least, he’s been excellent this season, as evidenced by his overall Whoscored numbers of 7.15, which tie him for first place with Ethan Ampadu.
Statistics provide cause for hope.
‘Whoscored’s’ most recent statistics show that even if the Whites’ season has started shakily, there are many reasons for optimism. Leeds leads the Championship in shots per game (15.2), passing percentage (87%), possession (63.9%), and goal scoring (9). It’s interesting to note that Leeds’ two shot-rich teams have combined for three fewer goals.
Leeds has also significantly improved aerodynamically. Leeds like to play the short passing game, keep possession and move their opponents about. We finished in the bottom of the standings the previous season, but after three terrible seasons, we are now in 13th place with an average of 14.7 headers won each game. This season, Struijk, Rodon, Bogle, Ampadu, and Firpo have all demonstrated strong aerial performances!
When all of the individual player statistics from each Championship team are averaged, Leeds comes in fourth place overall, after Sheffield United, Sunderland, and West Brom. You would think that the demography would be even more dominating once the new gamers have settled in!
Leeds, Lefty
In keeping with the statistical pattern, Leeds is the Championship team that assaults the left side the most, but the converse is true when looking at the right! With 45% of their attacking play flowing down the right side, Leeds top the Championship table. However, they rank lowest on the other flank (28%), with 27% coming through the middle (equal fifth). It’s reasonable to argue that the outcomes would have been slightly different if Dan James had been healthy, but does it call into question Jaiden Bogle’s contributions?
