Liverpool Opinion: Junior Firpo can increase competition at left-back
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are set to battle it out with their Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City for the signature of Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo.
The 22-year-old rose to prominence in the La Liga last term and has continued his impressive run of form this season as well.
Despite spending time on the sidelines due to an injury, Firpo has accumulated 3 goals and an assist from 16 appearances in the La Liga, catching the eyes of several top clubs across Europe.
The youngster from Dominican Republic put pen to paper on a new deal last summer following an impressive breakout season, with his release clause set at £43.5 million. (h/t TEAMtalk)
Regarded as a modern-day offensive-minded full-back, Firpo is known for his high-octane and aggressive style of play out wide on the left. Blessed with blistering pace, the 22-year-old combines his sharpness and agility with his silky dribbling skills and quick acceleration to run at his opposite number.
Although he is not a particularly good crosser, Firpo makes up for it with his sound reading of the game and wonderful eye for a pass.
Firpo knows how to link up with his teammates down the wide areas with clever touches, whilst also possessing the awareness and the pace to make quick recovery runs and cut out counter-attacks.
Defensively, Firpo is a full-back with good anticipation skills and high levels of concentration, often standing on his feet to intercept and putting his body on the line to make crucial blocks.
To put things into perspective, Liverpool need to add more depth to their defensive options in the summer and the Reds should aim to get their hands on the coveted young left-back who has starred in the La Liga.
In Andrew Robertson, Jurgen Klopp arguably has the best left-back in the Premier League at his disposal but the manager should look to increase competition for places by getting Firpo on board.
Alberto Moreno’s miserable spell at Liverpool is finally set to come to an end in the summer, which would leave Klopp with Robertson as the lone option at left-back.
James Milner has filled in admirably at both right-back and left-back but the veteran is reaching the final phase of his career at 33, and Liverpool cannot expect him to carry on for much longer.
Firpo can certainly add more depth to Liverpool’s defensive options and challenge Andrew Robertson for a first-team place.
Considering the hectic and lengthy schedule of the Premier League, the Reds need a suitable back-up to challenge for silverware on all fronts and Firpo can be the right option for that purpose.
He wouldn’t fit into the first-team straight away but Klopp should look to ease him into action by giving him controlled exposure.
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Going by what we have seen of him in the La Liga, Junior Firpo is an immensely talented player with massive potential, and Liverpool should not hesitate to splash the cash on him this summer in a bid to add depth to their squad.
