Last season in the Championship, Leeds United striker Joel Piroe headlined an attack that scored 95 goals on the way to winning the Championship. Many would think a player like that would be adored by the fans, but it is quite the opposite.
Leeds fans complained about Piroe even when he was scoring; long droughts during the season, and contributing close to zero in some games lead fans to believe that the club needed an upgrade in the position. So when the Whites splashed £100million in the summer transfer window, you would think they bought a better option in that position.
But fans were frustrated as the only signings that came through the door before deadline day were Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor. Lukas Nmecha joined as a free agent early in the summer.
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Aidy White urges Leeds United to sell striker
Joel Piroe Credit: Imago
Daniel Farke went into this season with three options at center forward; Nmecha, Calvert-Lewin and Piroe. The Dutchman was handed the first few starts of the season, but ultimately underwhelmed before Dominic Calvert-Lewin took over after the international break.
Piroe has since been on the bench, only being called upon when the team is chasing a goal. Former Whites star Aidy White has said that the club should sell the striker in January to get some funds to use. This is not the first time White has spoken on Piroe.
“On Piroe, you’re not going to use him properly in this shape or formation.
“When it comes to January, what do you do – do you cash in and go out and use that money? He is an asset. Is he the answer?
“Daniel Farke doesn’t know, he isn’t going down the route to get him involved.
“Piroe can only be used if he includes another forward, I don’t think he does. Daniel Farke might have to bite the bullet with him.”
Question marks over Daniel Farke’s decision
When Farke was questioned as to why Piroe was not first choice anymore, he pointed out that Leeds do not dominate games in the Premier League, making it hard to have a striker like the Dutch star in the team. But with Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing crucial chances in games, was the decision worth it? Daniel Farke really needs to assess his decision again.
