Joel Piroe
Daniel Farke decided to rotate the Leeds United team in their FA Cup game against Birmingham City over the weekend. Just like in the third round tie against Derby, some fringe players got a chance.
Ao Tanaka, Wilfried Gnonto and James Justin featured in the match alongside Facundo Buonanotte who was making his debut. There was a bit of a surprise as Lukas Nmecha started up top; Joel Piroe started in the previous round against Derby. The striker came off the bench late in the game as Leeds United advanced to the next round by winning the penalty shootout. They will now face Norwich City in the next round.
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Graham Smyth gives his verdict on Joel Piroe at Leeds United
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in incredible form this season, Joel Piroe has spent most of the campaign out of the lineup. His omission from the team over the weekend raised a lot of eyebrows. Graham Smyth has now spoken on the striker’s current situation in the team:
“It’s just not happening for Joel Piroe.” Smyth said on the Square Ball podcast.
“You can talk about rustiness all you like but the entire stadium at St. Andrew’s sensed that the ball needed to go to Calvert-Lewin earlier than it did, and he just hung on that fraction too long.
“He dwelt on it a little bit longer, which is a shame because we have seen him thread passes and cut defences open.
“It’s just not happening for him.”
Joel Piroe has made just 14 appearances this season and has yet to score a goal or provide an assist.
READ MORE: “We never…” – Leeds United legend gives surprising FA Cup verdict
Everything looks set for striker to leave
Things look really bleak for Joel Piroe; last season he was the top scorer in the Championship. But this year, he has not been able to catch a break in the first team. He has been benched and finds himself behind two forward options who have proved they can score consistently as the season has gone on. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha on contracts that go beyond this season, the only option for Piroe may be a summer exit.
In January there was massive interest from clubs in the Championship as well as in the Scottish Premiership, so there is no shortage of suitors if he decides to leave Elland Road in the next few months.