Neil Redfearn explains the ‘difference’ he noticed between Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph in Leeds United win

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Leeds United’s win over Middlesbrough did little to ease the Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph dilemma that faces Daniel Farke every single match.

Joseph was handed his 10th league start of the season at Elland Road on Tuesday night, though that was just his second in the last 12 matches.

Piroe, meanwhile, had been used more of an impact sub early on in the campaign, but has very much been Farke‘s preferred choice in the last couple of months.

Even during Tuesday night’s match, Leeds fans were locked in debate about Joseph and Piroe after a couple of first half moments involving the Spaniard.

Joseph was praised for his near post run that led to Wilfried Gnonto’s opener, but his failure to get on the end of an inviting Dan James delivery a few minutes later led to some saying Piroe would’ve been there.

• READ MORE: Neil Redfearn tells ‘quality’ Leeds United player he ‘should be playing in the division above’

Redfearn explains Joseph and Piroe ‘difference’ at Leeds

Joseph certainly helped lay the platform a dominant first half display from Leeds. However, after the break he seemed to tire, failing to make the ball stick, which allowed Boro to sustain some pressure.

Piroe was then introduced at arguably the perfect time as Leeds began to start wrestling control back of the game. The space he was afforded by Boro allowed him to provide the perfect assist for James’ winner.

Neil Redfearn hailed Piroe’s pass as ‘international class’ on BBC Radio Leeds‘ post-match show, before then wading in on the debate between Farke’s two strikers.

Redfearn was impressed by the level of Joseph’s overall performance but feels the composure an ‘established’ player like Piroe showed after coming on is the ‘difference’ between them at the moment.

He said: “I think what happened is he got caught up in that early exchange, they dropped deep Boro and sort of denied space. Leeds dominated possession in the 70s I think. They got the goal and it looked like it was going to one way, and a lot of the build up didn’t really go through him.

“It sort of went to the switches of play to wide players. The only thing I would say about him is there were countless balls flashed across the box from crossing positions and he never really got himself where he looked like he could score.

“That was the only criticism I would have of him because they didn’t really play through him. He’s a young guy, finding his feet. Piroe has more games under his belt and is more of an established player, but you could tell the difference when Piroe came on.”

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke says Leeds United have a ‘top-class’ player who always produces in the ‘decisive moments’

Stats show Farke got Leeds’ striker dynamic spot on vs Boro

It is understandable why supporters will be clamouring for Piroe to be back in the side against Preston North End on Saturday after his assist, but the stats actually state otherwise.

Piroe has been far more effective in terms of goal contributions whenever he has been used as a sub this season. Having Joseph tire the defence for the first hour and Piroe come on to take advantage of the space should be the way Farke goes more often.