‘He’d Be The Best’ – Leeds United Star Lifts Lid On Team-mate’s Standout Quality | OneFootball

Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has singled out Joel Piroe as the club’s most clinical finisher, while also lauding Anton Stach for the power behind his strikes.

After playing a monumental role in Daniel Farke’s Championship-winning side last season, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 19 goals, Piroe has taken on a reduced role this term following the arrivals of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

The 26-year-old has made just 17 appearances this season, with his only goal coming in the FA Cup victory over Norwich City, where the Whites secured a 3-0 win to book a place in the quarter-finals, earning praise for his commitment when called upon.

The Suriname international attracted interest during the winter window, with Rangers and several Championship sides keen, but opted to remain in Yorkshire, unwilling to drop down to the second tier or head elsewhere.

Describing him as a natural poacher and the most dependable finisher at Thorp Arch, Darlow underlined the Whites striker’s ruthless edge in front of goal, praising his consistent knack for taking chances.

The 35-year-old also highlighted fellow team-mate Stach’s thunderous striking, underlining the sheer power behind his efforts and the need to brace himself when the German winds up to shoot.

When asked whether Piroe is the most clinical on the training pitch, he confirmed on the Official Leeds United Podcast (51:07): “Yes, bang on.

“I think for a goalkeeper, the way he strikes the ball and, like I say, he’s a finisher, isn’t he?

“He’s a poacher in terms of he gets a chance, he normally scores it, and yes, for me, he’d be the best finisher at the club.

“Obviously, Anton Stach absolutely smashes the ball as well, so you get yourself ready when he’s gearing one up.

“It’s kind of like, okay, you know what’s coming.”

Having featured in every FA Cup outing for the Whites and finding the net last month, another test now awaits against West Ham United this Sunday at the London Stadium, with Piroe poised to stake his claim for more minutes.

Leeds have struggled for goals in the Premier League of late, drawing blanks in their last four league matches despite posting a healthy expected goals return, ranked eighth in the division.

With only two Premier League starts to his name this season, it remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old striker is handed an opportunity in the upcoming tie and whether that can translate into a place in the league lineup.