Ross McCormack has told BBC Radio Leeds that he feels sorry for Leeds United attacker Joel Piroe, because the Dutchman is not being given the chance to do what he was signed for – to score goals.
Piroe, 24, joined Leeds for an initial £10.5m in the summer from Swansea – a deal that could go as high as £16m, according to Phil Hay. He made a superb start, scoring on debut in the 4-3 win over Ipswich.
But of late, he has been playing in the 10 role behind Georginio Rutter. He scored four goals in his first five games, but has struggled in his last two outings – the 3-1 loss to Southampton and QPR at home.
Piroe has now started all 10 Championship matches this season – three for Swansea, seven for Leeds. It might be that his struggle in the last couple of games is down to a need for a rest. The break is coming.
If Farke decides to keep him in the starting XI on Saturday, he will at least get that rest over the next fortnight. But McCormack feels sorry for Piroe, because he is not being played as our centre-forward.
“I would like to see Piroe given a run up front with a number 10 behind him. Whether that’s Rutter or Summerville, just give him a chance and give him the tools to do the job that he was brought here to do.
“I do feel sorry for him but I also agree with most people that he can do more because even though he isn’t a number 10, he can probably offer more than he did tonight. He will know that,” McCormack said.
Ross McCormack feels sorry for new Leeds attacker Joel Piroe
Clearly, Piroe is a player that thrives on scoring goals. The kind of player that knows where to be inside the penalty area – his second goal against Millwall is proof of that, ready if Dan James fluffed his lines.
He has that predatory instinct and you would argue that Georginio Rutter does not – the Frenchman more of a creative player than a no.9. Farke needs to consider just swapping his two star attackers.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
