New Leeds star’s struggle in last week could be perfect timing for another, Bielsa called ‘valiant’

Add as preferred source on Google

Patrick Bamford has returned to the fold after injury and made a big impact off the bench as Leeds United picked up a 1-0 win over QPR – just when Joel Piroe has failed to impress in the last two games.

Piroe, 24, scored four goals in his first five games. But in the last two, Piroe has been a bystander. On Saturday, Piroe was given a rating of 5.99 by WhoScored – our second worst, behind Glen Kamara.

Then, on Wednesday night, Piroe was given a rating of 6.37 – only 0.02 above Jaidon Anthony, our worst-rated starting player. The last two outings from Piroe have been a far cry from his first five.

Of course, every player can have an off-day and a couple of games is nothing in the grand scheme of things – especially, with Piroe scoring four in his first five. But there is enormous strength in depth.

A bad game and a player is breathing down your neck these days, at Leeds. That is the case now with Piroe, and the return of Bamford. The Englishman is back, and applying the pressure from the bench.

Bamford returns to fold just as Piroe struggles for Leeds form

Piroe has now started all 10 Championship games and it might be that a rest is required – the first three being in a Swansea shirt. He was hooked by Daniel Farke on Wednesday, replaced on 65 minutes.

Bamford came on and had more of an impact than Piroe had managed in more than double the amount of time. WhoScored say Bamford got 6.51 despite playing 25 minutes. Bristol City next, on Saturday.

Farke has a decision to make. Does he keep faith with Piroe, or does he shake it up and bring Bamford in – a player Marcelo Bielsa labelled “valiant”? Before the international break, Bamford deserves a chance.