While Leeds United got back to winning ways at Cardiff City on Saturday, it is probably fair to say that Daniel Farke’s critics will not have been completely silenced by the Whites’ performance in the Welsh capital.
Leeds were made to work hard for their three points against Cardiff. The home side were reduced to 10 men during the first-half before Largie Ramazani scored his first goal for the club on his full debut for the Whites.
Pascal Struijk had the chance to double the lead from the penalty spot during the second-half after Jayden Bogle was fouled. Unfortunately however, the centre-back saw his poor penalty saved.
Some fans may have feared being punished for that chance being passed up, but Leeds were able to wrap up the three points shortly before the end, with Joel Piroe coming off the bench and producing a brilliant finish.
Daniel Farke lauds ‘special’ Leeds player after win at Cardiff
Piroe has had to be patient so far this season, making just one start in the Championship. But he now has two goals off the bench, wrapping up the games against both Hull and Cardiff.
It has not always been easy for Piroe since his move to Elland Road. While he did score 14 league goals last season, there were times when he appeared to go missing in games. And it did seem that the fans were happy to see Mateo Joseph get his chance at the start of the season.
But with that, Daniel Farke clearly thinks that Piroe’s contributions have gone under the radar. Speaking after the win over Cardiff, the Leeds boss suggested that the 25-year-old is so important.
“Joel deserves more praise. Does so much for us. With finishing, there is nobody better than him. If you want to play for a big club like Leeds, 46 games and two cups, you cannot play every minute. He is motivated to do this,” he said.
“Some other skills are needed. I pick the team for what we need at the time. His finish against Hull was like today. Ice cold. What I love is it is never about him. Never moaning about his minutes. Always looking to offer something to the team. Special character.”
The frustration which comes with Joel Piroe
You definitely cannot argue with Piroe’s goalscoring record since he came to Leeds, with 16 goals so far. He has only started 31 league games for the club.
But Piroe’s overall performances can leave a little to be desired. It is surely the reason that Joseph has had a run in the team despite not yet being the finished article. The Spaniard seems to tick a lot more of the boxes with how hard he works for the team, and the problems he can cause for opposition centre-backs.
However, the sound of Piroe knocking on the door will surely become too loud for Farke to ignore if he continues to find the back of the net when he does come off the bench.
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