Tireless Firpo 'deserves new contract'

Some players wilt under the weight of the famous white shirt, not Junior Firpo. His Leeds United career has been mired with intermittent bouts of poor form and injury, but he is now enjoying his best spell at the club and proved pivotal again last night against Sheffield United in a man-of-the-match-worthy performance.

His goal - a wonderfully headed equaliser - showed the instincts of a forward, it's clear to see why he plays in attack for his country. A second header teed-up Ao Tanaka to push Leeds into the lead, but it is Junior's constant and consistent work rate on and off the ball that has truly impressed this season.

Firpo seemingly never tires running up and down the wing for the Whites, but the ex-Barcelona man is also running down his contract. A situation which makes seemingly less and less sense the closer Leeds get to promotion.

The 28-year-old is coming into his peak years and at worst would be a fantastic weapon off the bench in the Premier League.

Criticised at times for his defending, he has shown in recent months - at least at Championship level – it is not a problem. Aggressive tackles and blocks, impressive pressing and when out of position he tracks runners relentlessly.

"I think it's the best group I've been in, everyone is moving in the same direction," Firpo told BBC Radio Leeds after the game. "We are a team of leaders."

Since New Year's Day 2024, only Ballon d'Or contender Mo Salah has more assists in the top four tiers of English football than the Dominican Republic international.

If we were waiting for a sign that Junior Firpo deserves a new contract, last night's match-winning display was it.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock