Leeds player ratings v Villarreal featuring Joel Piroe.
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Sat 2 August 2025 17:04, UK
Leeds United were held to a 1-1 draw with Villarreal in their penultimate pre-season friendly.
Daniel Farke‘s side fell to an Karl Etta Eyong header after Illan Meslier had saved his initial effort but they would bounce back.
Joel Piroe finished into an empty goal from five yards to level the scores after Brenden Aaronson had fired in a dangerous cross.
The Whites pushed for a winner but were forced to settle for a draw against top-class opposition in their return to Elland Road.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke gives a thumbs up
Farke will be pleased with the display. (Credit: Imago)
Piroe the hero for Leeds again
Piroe was crucial for Leeds in their successful attempt to return to the top flight, with 19 goals in the second tier.
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If they are to have any chance of staying in the division, they need the Dutchman to be as clinical at a higher level.
There are doubts amongst some supporters that he can do that, but given his form in pre-season, it would be remiss to count him out at this point.
Piroe netted his fourth goal in three pre-season matches and looks set to be the starting striker next season, unless something drastic happens in the final few weeks of the transfer window.
Schmidt cannot save Leeds career as he flops
Isaac Schmidt featured just 12 times in the Championship last season, so the idea that he was going to get an opportunity in the top-flight always seemed far-fetched.
He did not do himself any favours against Spanish opposition on this occasion, as he misplaced passes and was responsible for a Villarreal chance that Karl Darlow had to save.
Farke and Joe Rodon were spotted in frustration reactions to the Switzerland international’s errors, and it seems like he does not have a future in LS11 at this point.
Isaac Schmidt in action for Leeds United
Schmidt struggled for Leeds again (Credit: Imago)
How Leeds players rated against Villarreal
Karl Darlow – 6
Isaac Schmidt – 3
Joe Rodon – 6
Pascal Struijk – 6
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 5
Anton Stach – 7
Ethan Ampadu – 6
Sean Longstaff – 5
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Wilfried Gnonto – 5
Lucas Nmecha – 5
Substitutes:
Ilia Gruev – 5
Illan Meslier – 5
Joel Piroe – 8
Jaka Bijol – 6
Sam Byram – 5
Ao Tanaka – 5
Largie Ramazani – 5
Harry Gray – N/A
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