The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 9th March) - Farke to discuss new terms with Firpo
Good Morning. It's Thursday 26th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Farke to discuss new terms with Firpo
During a recent interview, Leeds gaffer Daniel Farke admitted that after a 'difficult Summer', he did not have time to sit down with Junior Firpo, and discuss new terms, which run out at the end of the season. After an inconsistent start to his Elland Road career, the 28yo has finally found his feet. His attacking play in particular has won over large sections of the Elland Road faithful, who only two years ago were calling for his exit.
In particular Farke praised his professionalism and leadership qualities, after his performance against Burnley, having just arrived back in the Country 24 hours previously after International duty with the Dominican Republic. Whether he's what we're looking for if and when we reach the Premier League is up for debate, but for the time being at-least, Firpo has been outstanding this season, proved by his overall Whoscored stats of 7.15, joint top with Ethan Ampadu.
If I'm honest, I haven't thought about this scenario so far because it was such a difficult summer and we had to speak about other things. "There will be the time when we speak about the future.
You also know how much I really rate Junior and Sam, how important they are for us. Also from their personality. When we speak about Junior, especially also the game against Burnley, after a long travel, he also played a really good game.
I was pleased with this and he's growing more and more, also into a leader role. He improves, also, his defensive skills. This is also what I like because he's outstanding in this league in going forward, you all know this, but also to be able to improve further on his defending behaviour.
Stats show reasons for optimism
The latest stats from 'Whoscored' indicate there's plenty of reasons for Whites fans to be optimistic despite a shaky start to the season. Leeds top the Championship in both possession (63.9%) and passing (87%), are third on shots per game (15.2) and joint 7th on goals scored (9). Interestingly, the two clubs above Leeds with shots have both scored three less.
Aerially, Leeds have improved drastically too. Leeds like to play the short passing game, keep possession and move their opponents about. We were towards the bottom of the pile last season, but are currently 13th with 14.7 header's won on average per game, a massive improvement on their last three campaigns. Struijk, Rodon, Bogle, Ampadu and Firpo have all performed well this season aerially!
All in all, when every individual players stats from each Championship outfit are averaged out, Leeds are fourth, behind Sunderland (top), West Brom and Sheffield Utd. Once the new players have settled in, you'd image an even more dominant demographic!
Lefty Leeds
Continuing on the stats theme, no Championship club attacks down the left flank more than Leeds, whilst the opposite could be said from the right! Leeds are top of the Championship charts with 45% of their attacking play coming down the right wing, but are bottom on the opposite flank (28%), with 27% coming through the middle (joint 5th). It's fair to say that had Dan James been fit, the results would be a little different, but does it raise questions regarding Jaiden Bogle's contributions?