Should the Whites be promoted to the Premier League, former Leeds United defender Ian Harte thinks they will need to bolster their left-back position.
Since the year’s beginning, the Yorkshire team has won 12 of their 13 Championship games, demonstrating their incredible form. They have thus been able to get closer to Leicester City and currently hold the top spot in the table according to goal differential. But the Foxes do have a game on their hands.
For Daniel Farke’s crew, the turnaround has been astounding. They had a hard time at first adjusting to life in the second division as the summer transfer window brought more uncertainty around a number of first team stars. But once it closed, their luck started to turn, and they quickly shot up the table.
Leeds have had to exercise patience as Leicester and Ipswich Town have dominated the first half of the Premier League football competition. The Tractor Boys are still in the hunt and are only one point behind them in third place, despite currently leading the pack.
Harte, a club legend, has concurred with Farke’s high praise for the way he has turned the team’s fortunes this season. The 46-year-old, in an interview with FreeBets, said:
Since Daniel Farke took over, things have been extraordinary. their work rate and level of energy while playing.
“I believe that the hiring process has also been quite astute. They added Connor Roberts during the January transfer window, and Joe Rodon to the center back position. He’s had an amazing season, in my opinion.
“Daniel Farke (has) a track record of success in the Championship, having been promoted with Norwich City.” They are at the top of the table now. It’s amazing what has transpired.
Harte thinks that should they return to the top division, the manager will need to fix one crucial aspect despite their spotless recent performance. The former Republic of Ireland international became well-known for his play at left back and thinks his previous position can use some improvement.
Currently holding the position is Junior Firpo, who solidified it after bouncing back from an injury earlier in the season. After then, he has made 22 appearances across all competitions, despite rumors that he will return to Spain prior to the winter transfer window:
“When Junior (Firpo) first came in, I wasn’t a big fan of his,” Harte said. He has experienced a couple injury setbacks this season.
“He’s settled in and performed admirably, but if Leeds are to advance, they will definitely need to bolster that position as it’s a critical one.”
The 27-year-old, who signed a contract with the team until 2025, has made 73 appearances in all competitions since moving from Barcelona in 2021.
Author’s Perspective
Firpo was a player for Leeds who had trouble in the Premier League and received a lot of flak for his play. But since moving to the Championship, he has revived his career at Elland Road, and his recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular.
Daniel Farke deserves a lot of the credit for getting the most out of the former Real Betis player. If the Whites make the anticipated return to the top division, it is unclear if he will stay in that role. With just one year left on the defender’s current contract, they might determine now is the best moment to cash in.
