“He’s been inconsistent” – Journalist now drops honest verdict on big name Leeds United ace

Leeds United’s summer signing Junior Firpo has ‘been inconsistent’ since his arrival from Barcelona, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Whites snapped up the defender in a £12.8 million deal after he was deemed surplus to requirements by the Blaugrana, but he’s so far struggled to settle into life on English shores.

Former first-choice left-back Ezgjan Alioski departed Leeds on a free transfer following the conclusion of 2020/21, leaving former manager Marcelo Bielsa searching for his replacement.

And with Barcelona sanctioning a fire sale due to their extensive financial difficulties, the west Yorkshire outfit pounced, snapping up Firpo’s services on a four-year contract.

However, injuries and a natural adjustment period have limited the former Spain Under-21 international to just 13 Premier League starts to date, with his performances often leaving a lot to be desired.

As per WhoScored, Firpo has been Leeds’ 12th best performer this term after receiving a season rating of just 6.43, and when taking a closer look at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

The attack-minded full-back has pulled off just 0.8 interceptions, 1.2 clearances and 0.2 blocks per league game throughout 2021/22, seeing him fall outside of the top eight for each metric when compared to his teammates.

Firpo’s price tag made him Leeds’ ninth most expensive signing in their history and their third most costly defender, behind just Rio Ferdinand and Diego Llorente.

Nevertheless, he has found life at Elland Road tough, and O’Rourke believes he’s so far failed to solve what has been a problem position for a number of years.

Arsenal seal DRAMATIC win over Wolves! Full reaction on The Football Terrace…

He told GiveMeSport: “He’s been