Interesting Facts About Junior Firpo

DBasia.news –  The 22-year-old left back, Junior Firpo, was purchased by Barcelona from Real Betis for 18 million euros plus 12 million euros with other variables. Firpo is under contract until 2024.

Barcelona handed him a purchase clause of 200 million euros and will wear the number 24 jersey. Firpo will be a competitive competitor as well as a coating for Barcelona’s main left back, Jordi Alba, who is already 30 years old.

The Catalunya origin team now has a better squad depth, especially in the left defense sector. The reason is, since Lucas Digne moved to Everton in 2018, Barcelona has no qualified left back besides Alba.

The plus value of Firpo is his ability to play as a left wing back or left wing midfielder besides left back. His speed, young age, and accuracy in making decisions are his special abilities.

“His height, speed and precision has made him one of the promising left-backs in European football. One of the young talents who has shone brightly in the last few years in the league, Junior really troubled the  rivals,” wrote a statement on the official Barcelona website.

“His high speed and ability to explore the field tirelessly can help him get back in a defensive position quickly (when facing a counterattack). In addition, he is comfortable with ball possession and works well with his team-mates.”

Not many know the information on the player born in the Dominican Republic, but defends the Spain U-21 national team. Taken from the official website of Barcelona, ​​here are 10 interesting facts about Junior Firpo:

1. Firpo was the first player born in the Dominican Republic to join Barcelona. He also became the first Dominican Republic footballer to play in LaLiga. When other players who have played in LaLiga are only descendants of the Dominican Republic, not born there.

2. Despite being born in the Dominican Republic, Firpo defended the Spanish national team and won the U-21 European Cup this year.

3. In the beginning, Firpo was not a left back but a wing attacker.

4. Firpo played in Malaga at the age of six and has played for different local teams such as Atletico Benamiel, Tiro Pichon, and Puerto Malagueno.

5. Four months ago, Firpo’s first and only daughter was born: Jannet.

6. His first salary as a professional footballer was used to make a driver’s license (SIM) for a car.

7. Firpo’s only match against Barcelona occurred last season. Betis won 4-3 and Firpo assisted Sergio Canales in the Camp Nou.

8. Firpo became the 25th player to have been in a Betis and Barcelona uniform. Some other names such as: Ramon Maria Caldere, Sanchez Jara, Jose Manuel Pinto, Sergio Garcia, Damia Abella, Marc Bartra, Martin Montoya, and Cristian Tello.

9. Firpo’s birth year, 1996, is the same as another Barca player: Arthur.

10. Firpo not only plays football, he also played basketball and baseball in the Dominican Republic.