Tony Dorigo believes Leeds United’s style of play is among the key factors keeping Joel Piroe on the periphery.
Piroe fired Leeds to promotion from the Championship as the club’s chief marksman last season, delivering a 19-goal haul.
However, the 26-year-old has been relegated to the fringes of Daniel Farke’s squad and found opportunities limited.
Leeds United's Joel Piroe has not scored in any of his 14 appearances this season.placeholder image
Leeds United's Joel Piroe has not scored in any of his 14 appearances this season. | Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
Tony Dorigo’s verdict
Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, Dorigo has explained why the newly-declared Suriname international is behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the pecking order.
He said: “I think as a player, you always back yourself. Wherever you go, you back yourself. Actually, I think of Kalvin Phillips as being the best example of that.
“He was the best midfielder in England. Of course, he's got to think he can go to Manchester City and make the step up. And he's right to do that. Unfortunately, sometimes it does not work out.
“With Piroe, I think if you look last season, he was clearly our best finisher. You put him in the right areas, he is an amazing finisher, he’s got calmness, but I think the way that we play, it doesn't really ideally suit his characteristics.
“At times, we're starting to go a little bit longer and of course, Calvert-Lewin in the air, that physicality is so important.
“Piroe isn't that type of player, so you can see why, unfortunately, he will not start many games because of the way that we play.
“If you think two, three, four seasons in advance, we play a different style, we have a lot of possession, then he could come more into the reckoning. But at the moment, it's difficult. And that's why Nmecha will play and that's why Calvert-Lewin will play. It must be frustrating for him.”
Joel Piroe has tumbled down the pecking order at Leeds United this season.placeholder image
Joel Piroe has tumbled down the pecking order at Leeds United this season. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Joel Piroe out to prove himself
Speculation regarding Piroe’s future was rife during the recent winter transfer window, with Middlesbrough and Leicester City among those who were linked with the frontman.
He instead stayed put, with reports indicating Piroe wanted to fight for his place in Farke’s team.
Dorigo said: “I admire him. He really wants to prove himself and he just needs that opportunity, but we haven't got a load of time. We've got to get points now, which is why, unfortunately, he's getting few minutes.
“It's up to him. Maybe he thought ‘mid-season's not the time’. He'll review it again in the summer. I feel for him but I know there's a quality player there.”