Jermaine Beckford has likened Joel Piroe’s goal for Leeds United at Millwall earlier in the season to that of former Arsenal star Dennis Bergkamp.
Both Beckford and Clinton Morrison were speaking before Leeds’ 1-1 draw at Rotherham United last night about the partnership Piroe has formed with Georginio Rutter in attack.
Though it was non-existent last night, Piroe and Rutter have struck up a good relationship both on and off the pitch, with the two pundits hailing one goal in particular on Sky Sports.
As per a statistic from Sky, Rutter has created 12 chances for Piroe so far this season, though the only assist he has actually got for him came at Millwall back in September.
Piroe made a darting run beyond that of Rutter, who dropped deep to receive a ball from Wilfried Gnonto, before steering a first time pass into the Dutchman’s path, who finished it off.
Piroe and Rutter struggled for Leeds last night
Speaking ahead of the game, Morrison was full of praise for how good they have been together, before Beckford hailed Piroe’s goal at Millwall as ‘Bergkamp-esque’.
Morrison said: “You get that, when you are friends off the pitch it happens on the pitch. They trust each other, look at the runs. They have been outstanding, what a partnership this [Millwall opener] is an outstanding goal. Great football, the touch into Piroe is brilliant, but look at the touch and a great finish.”
Beckford then added: “That is like a Bergkamp-esque finish.”
That goal is undoubtedly the highlight of a promising partnership so far, but it would be nice if they could show that sort of link-up more regularly.
Rutter is always dropping deeper to come and collect the ball to try and create things, as was evident for his assist for Crysencio Summerville last night.
However, Piroe needs to continue to learn when to go beyond Rutter so that the Frenchman has a focal point to pick out at the front end of the pitch.
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