Phil Hay has told The Square Ball podcast that Leeds United star Joel Piroe is not producing his best form at the moment and was “quiet” at Leicester – but his presence in the side is clearly working.
The 24-year-old has five goals in 12 games for Leeds. His first four in his first five games, used by Daniel Farke as a no.10 behind Georginio Rutter – swapping roles with the Frenchman throughout 90 minutes.
But the goals have dried up, and as a striker, that means his confidence seems to be slowly evaporating. The Dutchman has just one goal in his last seven, netting against Bristol City to secure a 2-1 victory.
However, Leeds’ form has not dipped. Following Friday’s win over Leicester, Leeds have five wins in six. We remain in third, but have closed the gap on Ipswich. Hay says Piroe is not at his best – but it works.
“A few people said to me that Piroe had a quiet game on Friday in comparison to others and he did, but you cannot argue that it is working. Whatever he is doing, his contribution, it is working,” Hay said.
Phil Hay says Leeds star Joel Piroe not at his best, but it works
Hay makes a good point here. Piroe might not be producing the numbers that many might have hoped he would provide when joining for £16m (Hay). He does still have five goals in his 12 outings for Leeds.
Also, not many will have predicted he would be playing as a 10. You cannot move Rutter away from his role. As Hay says, even if Piroe has a quiet game – like he did at the King Power – the system is working.
He might not be the perfect option in that role, but he is far better than the next-best man to come in. Leeds failed to sign a no.10 in the summer and let Sam Greenwood go on loan. He will continue to start.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
