Leeds United have been more dominant with their playing style in the Championship than Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga.
That’s according to Leeds’ Junior Firpo, and he compared Leeds to Real Madrid and Barca during a chat with Marca.
The Whites are leading the Championship table with 94 points from 44 games and have already secured promotion to the Premier League. Barcelona are top of La Liga with 76 points from 33 games, four points ahead of second placed Real Madrid.
The left-back has been one of Leeds’ standout players under Daniel Farke’s orders this season. He scored four goals and registered nine assists from 31 Championship games.
Marca pointed out to the Dominican Republic international that he has been the best left-back in the Championship and asked whether the second division in England is ‘bit small’ for him.
“I’m very demanding of myself and maybe I don’t value myself enough, but it’s true that it’s been an incredible season,” he said.
“In the summer, I set myself the goal of being involved in 15 goals, and I think I’m at 14, having missed a third of the games. It’s pretty good.”
The newspaper asked the 28-year-old what he has changed that has helped him improve his game. When responding to that, he came up with a comparison of Leeds United in the Championship to Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga.
“Nothing. I play like always. Leeds are even more dominant in the Championship than Real Madrid or Barça in LaLiga,” Junior Firpo explained.
“We get into the box with six or seven players. The manager knows the type of player I am and doesn’t clip my wings. He gives me the freedom I need to move all over the pitch, not just on the wing, and bring out my best.”
The former Real Betis man also talked about the impact of mental coach, Laura Esquinas.
“She’s helped me a lot, especially in channelling moments of stress. Before, results had a big influence on my mood, and being a father, that’s something I can’t afford. For me, she’s not your typical psychologist. We have a great rapport. I’ll be eternally grateful,” he added.
Junior Firpo’s contract expires in June and he’s unsure whether he’ll still be at Elland Road next season. The fullback has also left the door open to return to Real Betis.
