Football League World
·30 de octubre de 2024
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·30 de octubre de 2024
Joel Piroe has started each of Leeds United's last four league games
Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has predicted that Daniel Farke will make a change to Joel Piroe’s role in the Leeds United team against Plymouth Argyle.
The Dutchman has started just five of the Whites’ first 12 games of the new campaign, coming off the bench on a further seven occasions.
However, he has started in all of the team’s last four games, earning his place back in the side, scoring and assisting one time each.
Piroe is three games without a goal, his last coming in their 2-2 draw with Sunderland prior to the October international break.
Leeds also have Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford to choose from as options to lead the line in Farke’s side.
Goodman has predicted that Piroe will either be moved back into a no.10 role, or even fall out of the starting XI completely going into their upcoming clash with the Pilgrims.
He has praised the impact of Joseph, and believes the Spaniard coming back into the team is a sign of the healthy competition for game time that Farke has at his disposal now.
“It’s horses for courses,” said Goodman, via MOT Leeds News.
“Mateo Joseph did well in the first eight games or so and is a young player.
“You can sometimes feel that physically and mentally at that age in a high-profile situation – Leeds are a huge fish in the Championship – and it can take its toll on young players.
“Joel came in, took his chance initially and did well, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Joel is moved to a 10 role, or even if Joel drops back to the bench.
“I just think it’s a luxury Farke has now.
“What he will want is all his players scoring.
“Joseph has brought an awful lot to the team away from scoring goals and Farke will know he has a few very good options up top.”
Joseph played a minor role in Leeds’ promotion push last season, coming off the bench on 20 occasions, but he has grown in importance so far this campaign.
The Spaniard has already earned eight starts, as well as a further four appearances as a substitute, contributing two goals and three assists.
The 20-year-old has fallen out of the team in favour of Piroe in recent weeks, but this weekend could represent an opportunity to get back into the starting lineup.
Leeds will host Plymouth on 2 November in a 3pm kick-off.
Throwing Joseph into the team every game this season could’ve proven a mistake in the long run, despite his good form.
The youngster is still developing his game, and giving him a few weeks on the bench might be beneficial for his development long-term.
Piroe and Bamford provide healthy competition for minutes, and putting the Dutchman back in the team initially worked quite well, scoring against Sunderland and assisting in the 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
Despite the summer sales of Leeds’ forward stars, Farke still has a lot to choose from in attack, which will help give them an edge over their promotion rivals.