Darren Bent believes Leeds United remain the favourites for promotion to the Premier League but believes one position is cause for concern for Daniel Farke.
Leeds currently sit top of the Championship heading into the midweek round of fixtures, with Farke’s side due to host Luton Town at Elland Road on Wednesday.
So far, Leeds have been one of the best sides in the division at both ends of the pitch. Only Middlesbrough have scored more, while just Burnley, Sheffield United and West Brom have conceded less.
Farke appears to have found some pretty settled combinations all over the pitch, with Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk starting every game together at centre-back.
Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have also formed an excellent midfield partnership since injuries to both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.
- READ MORE: Leeds United player is keen to leave Elland Road in January despite what Daniel Farke said this week
Bent shares what he’s noticed about Leeds star Joel Piroe
One position Farke doesn’t seem to know his best option is striker. Mateo Joseph has started nine of Leeds’ 16 league matches, with Joel Piroe starting the other seven.
Joseph has managed to find the net just twice this season and his lack of goals have swayed Farke towards Piroe recently, but his return as a starter isn’t much better.
Four of the Dutchman’s six goals this term have come as a substitute, with pundit Sam Parkin claiming Piroe ‘doesn’t do much‘ in general play.
Striker could be a position Leeds look to address in January and speaking on talkSPORT, former England international Bent has offered his verdict.
Bent claims whenever he has watched Leeds in action so far this season he has always been left wanting more by Piroe.
He said: “The one position I’m a little bit like ‘ooh, I’m not sure’ is Piroe up front, Joel Piroe. I mean, he’s got six goals, but I just feel like… I think he could do more. Certainly, in the games that I’ve seen, I think he could do a little bit more.”
Bent makes Leeds promotion prediction
Even despite Bent’s frustration at watching Piroe, he still maintains Leeds are very much among the favourites to win promotion this season.
Sitting top without a striker Farke can truly rely on bodes well for the rest of the season and so if Leeds to decide to act in January, it will only strengthen their promotion bid.
Bent said: “But I still put Leeds right up there in one of the favourites to go up.”
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