Despite Leeds United’s game against Newcastle ending in a 0 – 0 draw, there were plenty of positives to take from it, including the Yorkshire side’s attacking efforts.
Summer signings Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin put on decent displays despite no goals, showing hints of their capabilities.
Nmecha matched a 100-year-old Leeds United record on his debut against Everton, and he made himself a nuisance for Newcastle’s defenders, with 72% pass accuracy and four touches in the opposition box.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin built on his Leeds debut in the Carabao Cup, by coming on late in the second half, having two shots and making one fast break.
However, these performances spell bad news for one Leeds player, who could be forced down the hierarchy.
Lukas Nmecha & Dominic Calvert-Lewin prove their worth
Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin showed their value at Elland Road yesterday with Nmecha making his first start and being a constant physical presence, nearly scoring from a crucial cross from Willy Gnonto.
Calvert-Lewin forced a great save in the final minutes that nearly secured a late victory. Despite the positivity surrounding these two new signings, this could spell bad news for Joel Piroe.
While he is a prolific goalscorer, he has been criticised for not offering the same physical presence, with Jon Newsome previously questioning Piroe’s Premier League capability.
With both Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin showing they can effectively lead the line, Piroe’s place in the team is under significant threat. This increased competition means he will need to elevate his own game to prove he is still the top man.
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Joel Piroe has become third choice at Elland Road
Joel Piroe signed for £16 million from Swansea City in the summer of 2023. He was brought in as the attacking reinforcement Leeds United desperately needed, with both Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph out injured.
Now, in a twist of fate, the tables have turned. Piroe is finding his place under threat due to the new attacking options Daniel Farke has brought in this season: Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
As he falls down the pecking order, it raises questions about his future at Elland Road. Earlier this summer, Piroe confirmed that “a few clubs” had approached him, but he turned them all down, including his former club, PSV.
With the quality of performances from Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin, however, Piroe’s wish for minutes may not come true this season. So far, he has played just 136 minutes with zero goals, one shot on target, and zero assists.
This stark lack of output from Piroe suggests that Farke has more faith in his new arrivals and a move away may be the only way for the 26-year-old to secure more playing time.
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