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Joel Piroe has the chance to match Mark Viduka’s Leeds United record against Sheffield Wednesday

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Leeds United’s top scorer last season, Joel Piroe, could match Mark Viduka’s record this evening in their Carabao Cup tie.

Piroe scored 19 goals for the Yorkshire side last season, provided seven assists and made 48 appearances.

Despite these impressive numbers, Piroe’s performance on Saturday looked a world away from his Championship domination.

He failed to register a shot on target, with Gary Neville highlighting Piroe as a big issue for Leeds.

It wasn’t just Piroe who had a lacklustre afternoon, the 5 – 0 thrashing served as a serious reality check, according to Jermaine Beckford, about what the Premier League will be like for a Leeds team who were unstoppable in the Championship.

Despite Saturday’s woes, tonight Piroe could bounce back by matching the Leeds legend’s record.

Joel Piroe during Arsenal v Leeds United - Premier League.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Joel Piroe is set to reach a huge milestone against Sheffield Wednesday

LUFC DATA shared on X that if Joel Piroe starts tonight against Sheffield Wednesday in their Carabao Cup tie, it will be his 100th appearance for the club.

He’ll become the first Leeds centre forward to reach the milestone since Patrick Bamford in March 2021.

The last Leeds centre forward to win on their 100th club appearance was Mark Viduka v Newcastle in Sep 2002.

Piroe made his Leeds debut on August 26, 2023, in a 4-3 away win against Ipswich Town, scoring a goal in the process.

He arrived from Swansea City for a fee reported to be in excess of £10 million. His rise through the ranks at the club has been a quick one since his arrival, establishing himself as a key player.

He contributed significantly to the team’s success in the Championship and their promotion to the Premier League, even winning the EFL Championship Golden Boot in the 2024-25 season, an achievement that cemented his place as a vital attacking force for Leeds.

Mark Viduka celebrating goal for Leeds United.
28 Oct 2001: Delight for Leeds'' goalscorer Mark Viduka during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Manchester United and Leeds United played at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. The match ended in a 1 – 1 draw. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport

How do Joel Piroe’s statistics compare to that of Patrick Bamford?

With Piroe set to be the first centre forward to reach this milestone since Bamford, it’s interesting to see how both players compare in their first 100 games for the club.

Despite Bamford not being part of the squad this season, after a frank conversation with Daniel Farke, he was a stalwart for Leeds United during his first 100 appearances for the club.

These games occurred between 2018 and 2021, and saw Bamford score 24 goals with 11 assists in 102 total appearances. His journey included a mix of both Championship and Premier League action.

While his goal tally is slightly lower, his significant number of assists showcases his all-around play and ability to create chances for others. His link-up play was key to Leeds’ promotion and survival in the top flight.

Piroe, a more recent addition, has been a goal-scoring machine, amassing 33 goals in his first 98 appearances for the club.

His time has been particularly prolific in the Championship, where he won the Golden Boot in 2024-25. This incredible scoring rate highlights his clinical finishing and ability to consistently find the back of the net.