Huddersfield Town and Leeds United have a few things in common. Both are from West Yorkshire and now Izzy Brown has signed for both, for the purposes of this article the latter is all that concerns me. I have spoken to Richard Farren, a Huddersfield fan I’ve interacted with for a few years now on social media.
Richard made it clear that he comes with nothing more than his opinion on the player, and has some very interesting answers. It’s obvious that the rivalry between the clubs has no interest to him in his answers. As always, a big thank you to him for taking the time.
1. Initial thoughts on Brown to Leeds? Seems a very good signing for the club.
Richard – “Brown looks a cracking signing for Leeds. In his time at town we were obviously playing a high energy, high tempo style, which of course has parallels with Bielsa. He wasn’t scared of hard work and possesses some qualities which a fast transitioning team can benefit from.”
2. How important was he in the Huddersfield promotion push? From the outside he played a key role.
Richard – “I’ll try not to talk TOO much Huddersfield for obvious reasons bit one thing Wagner has done so far is bring in January signings which make a difference. Izzy spent the 1st half of the season at Rotherham and was a cut above. He actually missed a lot of games through injury but played far more often than not when fit.”
3. What’s his best position?
Richard – “For us he was certainly best used wide right in a 3 behind a single striker. He can go wide or cut inside. A formation with fluidity will benefit. He’s an intelligent player.”
4. What’s his strengths and weaknesses?
Richard – “So he’s pretty quick, comfortable on the ball and can beat a man. I think the ability to beat a man 1-on-1 is pretty rare these days, he’s brave and confident. Weaknesses, possibly a bit lightweight and can be out muscled and can make the wrong decision at times, both of which are to be expected with a young player. Final ball isn’t the greatest either.”
5. If you could compare him to any player on the planet in terms of style (not ability) who and why?
Richard – “Tough question…I’m not a big fan of comparisons. He could be anything still he’s so young. I’ll let others tag names to it but he’s direct, pacey, confident and brave.”
6. What’s your thoughts on Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa this season in general?
Richard – “I watch as much football as possible, I’m not bothered who’s playing. The most I’ve seen of Leeds this season was he Swansea game. Regardless of the result, you can see the identity. I’ve obviously seen the results too. I think Leeds are in for an exciting season, history tells us Bielsa teams sometimes fall away after Christmas and the championship is a gruelling league and upsets are aplenty. I think Leeds look excellent so far and there aren’t many teams who’ve looked better. You didn’t ask for a prediction but I think playoffs are a minimum this year.”
