Joel Piroe currently sits on seven goals for the 2024-25 campaign as Daniel Farke struggles to find which striker is going to score him the goals that gets Leeds United promoted.
Mateo Joseph started the season for Leeds, after shining in pre-season. But struggling in front of goal, Piroe has come into the side after Daniel Farke said he was the best finisher in the entire Championship.
But Piroe has a tendency to go missing in matches and it is difficult to remember any moment that saw Piroe really provide a significant involvement during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Blackburn at Ewood Park.
Joseph and Patrick Bamford came on, but neither managed to make an impact. Bamford is yet to start but given the struggling form of Joseph and the inconsistency of Piroe, Bamford could be given a chance.
Striker that Leeds sold in 2023 has three more than Joel Piroe
It might be that Farke has to enter the transfer market in January and bring in a centre-forward that can guarantee 10-15 goals in the second half of 2024-25. One striker sold by Leeds already has 10 this term.
Indeed, Leeds waved goodbye to Max Dean in January 2023 with the youngster failing to play a single game for the senior side. He joined MK Dons with Jesse Marsch overlooking him and he’s now shining.
After 20 goals in 43 games for The Dons, Dean joined Belgian side Gent for £2m and scored on his debut. He has since starred for Gent, playing in European football and clocking up 23 appearances this season.
Max Dean scores tenth goal from penalty spot for new side Gent
The Liverpudlian always had a bit of character about him – with Dean recently doing a Conor McGregor celebration after scoring. On Sunday, he netted a penalty as Gent could only draw 2-2 with Westerlo.
A tenth goal in 23 games, despite only starting nine of those. Dean has also laid on two assists for new side Gent, and picked up five yellow cards – an exciting start to life in Belgium for the ex-Leeds man.
If Leeds fancy themselves a striker who is capable of scoring goals at the top level and in form, maybe they might have to consider righting the wrong of Marsch and bringing Dean back to Elland Road.
But for now, it seems Dean is happy in Belgium and continuing to grow his reputation in the blue of Genk while Farke continues to try and coax the best out of either Joseph, Piroe or Bamford.
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