Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly keen on adding competition to the left-back position that was occupied by Andy Robertson last year, by making an offer for young Spanish left-back Junior Firpo. Firpo joined Betis at the age of 18 in 2014, and after playing for the ‘B’ side, the youngster got an opportunity to play for the senior team, where he has had a good run so far.
The Merseyside club, as well as rivals Manchester United, are keen on securing the signature of the left-back, as the Reds are reportedly willing to pay the €50 million release clause of the 22-year-old, as per Marca. Firpo has been a revelation for the Spanish club who signed him to a new deal last year, which will now expire in 2023, while it also has the €50 million release clause.
Firpo made 29 appearances in the 2018-19 season for Betis, scoring thrice and providing five assists, which included a couple in Betis’ stellar win over Barcelona last year. He has so far played 35 games for the Betis senior team in the last two seasons, scoring five times.
The youngster was born in the Dominican Republic but has represented the Spanish U-21 side once so far.
Strengths
Firpo is a modern-day full-back who likes to bomb up and down the left flank and uses his pace and power to good effect. The left-back is a good passer of the ball, averaging around 39 passes in La Liga last season and had 83% pass completion rate in the recently concluded season. Firpo can play as a full-back or a wing-back, while he has also, on occasion, played as a left winger for Betis.
A strong dribbler of the ball, Firpo likes to use his pace and power to get up the flank on every possible occasion, while he doesn’t shirk from his defensive duties. The six-foot-tall full-back is also great in the air and wins several headers in defensive situations.
Weaknesses
Perhaps the biggest weakness in Firpo’s game is his crossing ability as he seldom successfully crosses to his teammate, choosing either to pass it on the ground or drill it across goal. This is an area where he has to improve if he wants to make the step up to the Premier League.
