14 Sep 2021 07:43:17
I always worry when we buy a younger player who has had a promising start but who has slipped down the pecking order. Its unusual for another better player to come through the ranks. Often the club has felt the need to bring someone else in because progress hasn't been maintained or form/ attitude has become a problem. We've seen it too many times. Costa was one example. Austin was another. Ronaldo, Hernandez etc are a different matter.
14 Sep 2021 11:50:22
Hess, I’m guessing your referring to Dan James. If so, I don’t think you need to worry. That club based at OT was never the right place for him, it clearly suffocated the natural ability he showed with Swansea and during his first month or so at OT, and failed to develop him as a player. He’s put better performances in when away from there with Wales, and being at Leeds will enable to fully break those mental shackles and fulfil his considerable potential.
14 Sep 2021 13:39:47
Nope. Referring to Firpo. James is just surplus to our requirements. Not a bad player but other areas should have been prioritised.
14 Sep 2021 14:04:34
My jury is out on Firpo right now. Hopefully he is just a bit surprised at the speed and intenity of the game in England and it will take him just a little longer to find his feet and show his class. Leastwise that is what I am hoping.
14 Sep 2021 15:07:24
It's too early to judge Forpo. Let him have at least 10 games, maybe 15 before we see how he links up with Harrison. Some of his play has been encouraging but it's clear a partnership and understanding with Harrison hasn't fully formed yet.
14 Sep 2021 15:18:55
Ah, OK. I’d discounted Firpo, as he seemed a little too old to considered as young, though I guess he’s only turned 25 since joining us. It was bound to take him a little while to adjust to the Prem, and build a proper understanding with Harrison. His move to Barcelona may have been another case of wrong club, like James to Salford United. He was clearly a very decent prospect at Real Betis, which is why Barcelona went in for him.
As for James being surplus to requirements, as you say yourself Costa wasn’t cutting it, and Poveda wasn’t really kicking on here. Having Summerville as our only backup/ competition on the wings, would have been putting a lot of pressure on a player of his age and experience.
14 Sep 2021 17:51:07
Agree with Alf give the lad time. A year in and Rodrigo is still looking to come up to pace!
Its a different league to any other and I have a feeling Firpo will come good for us.
14 Sep 2021 21:06:00
The sooner we sort out who is on the wing, Harrison or James the better it will be for Firpo. As for Rodders I do not think it is adjusting to the Prem that is the problem. It is buying a good Striker and asking him to play a 10 role. Square pegs.
The whole of the front 4 needs sorting out now.