Leeds United’s starting XI is pretty much picking itself at the moment with Daniel Farke’s side now unbeaten in 17 games, sitting top of the Championship table.
The back five are a no-brainer. If they remain fit then Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Junior Firpo will start the remaining 11 games. Ao Tanaka will do so too, in the middle of the park.
Even though Brenden Aaronson is struggling for form, the front four is likely to remain the same as well. Dan James and Manor Solomon on the wings and in-form striker Joel Piroe as the attacking spearhead.
Farke said Piroe is the Championship’s best finisher and in recent weeks, he has shown it. Six goals and assists in his last six games, scoring five times has seen Piroe eclipse last season’s total of 14, already.
Joel Piroe is impressing Daniel Farke behind the scenes at Leeds
When Leeds paid £16m for Piroe in the summer of 2023, the Dutchman struggle initially to prove his fee and while last season’s tally of 14 goals and three assists was solid – it was hardly groundbreaking form.
This time around, Piroe is level with Borja Sainz at the top of the Championship goalscoring rankings. But, it is not Piroe’s form on the pitch, but it is his selflessness off of it that is earning Farke’s appreciation.
Beren Cross writes in The Athletic that Piroe has never had an attitude issue behind the scenes even if the striker has not always been first choice. Cross also says Piroe has a “selfless” work ethic at Thorp Arch.
Can Joel Piroe lead Leeds in the Premier League?
This is the big question. While Leeds are not yet promoted, everything is pointing towards a place in the top two come May and Leeds will need to make a decision – to sign a striker, or place faith in Piroe.
The Dutchman has shown in four consecutive Championship seasons that he is more than capable of scoring goals at this level. He has 44 with Swansea, and 29 with Leeds since arriving in Wales in 2021.
But, he is unproven in the Premier League. The chances are that Farke will want a proven top-tier no.9, which explains Leeds being linked with Callum Wilson. But Piroe is more than deserving of a chance.
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