BBC pundit issues verdict on Joel Piroe after striker’s Leeds debut display

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Jon Newsome has lauded Joel Piroe after the striker made his Leeds United debut, scoring in the victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday.

Newsome was speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after Leeds fans got their first glimpse of the Dutchman following his move from Swansea City during the week.

Daniel Farke wasted little time to throw Joel Piroe into the starting lineup. And he was joined in the attack by Georginio Rutter, Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra. So there was plenty of excitement ahead of the game at Portman Road.

And the excitement proved to be justified. All four of the attackers got on the scoresheet, with both Rutter and Piroe opening their account for Leeds in the game.

Newsome praises Joel Piroe after Leeds debut

Piroe’s goal was perhaps the simplest of the lot, with the striker reacting fastest to Sinisterra’s parried shot. But that is exactly what the club have been crying out for, someone who puts themselves in the right position in front of goal.

Certainly, Newsome suggested that he was really happy with the 24-year-old’s overall performance.

“I think Piroe’s been great. Been brought in, I was really impressed with him today. I think he maybe ran out of steam after 60, 70 minutes,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

“I liked him. He looked a player, didn’t he. He plays off either foot, silky. Got great awareness, got a great willingness to run in behind and stretch the game as well as come in and drop into that hole and have it to feet. And he’ll take it on the half-turn.

“And he’s got that football intelligence and knowledge to know when to play and when not to play.”

Of course, Leeds have not addressed all of their issues. The defending was calamitous at times. And there are still areas of the squad which lack depth.

But if Leeds can keep this squad together beyond the deadline, then this season could be a really fun one to watch.

The Whites have gone out and signed one of the most proven strikers already plying their trade in the Championship in Piroe. It seems such a smart piece of business from the owners.

And it is a big boost that he has already opened his account for Leeds. Certainly, if Leeds can keep the likes of Gnonto, Sinisterra and Crysencio Summerville, then Piroe is going to get a raft of chances to add to his numbers over the season.