Daniel Farke has started his second season in charge of Leeds United.
Daniel Farke has started his second season in charge of Leeds United.

Leeds United: Daniel Farke must axe Joel Piroe for Chelsea after spot-on decision v Leicester

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Daniel Farke was left with many unanswered questions despite Leeds United completing a memorable comeback to beat Leicester City 3-1 on Friday (23 February).

There is no time to rest on that win either given Leeds have a daunting fixture against rivals Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round next up on Wednesday (28 February).

For much of the game against Enzo Maresca's Foxes, Leeds struggled for potency and did not register their first shot on target until the 67th minute, as per FotMob.

If Farke's squad are to perform like that against Premier League opposition, it is much less likely that the Leeds fans will witness such a dramatic comeback as they did at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke must remove Joel Piroe from the Leeds United starting XI

Though much of the starting lineup struggled to make the desired impact against the current league leaders, Joel Piroe stood out the most for his ineffective display.

The Dutchman was hooked after 65 minutes to be replaced by Patrick Bamford, who was a major part in the Whites overturning the 1-0 deficit in the final 10 minutes.

Piroe only managed to maintain a 64 per cent pass completion, registered a 0 per cent shot accuracy, as well as winning 0 per cent of his ground duels. The defensive duo of Jannik Vestergaard and Wout Faes rendered him relatively useless, making just 18 touches. [FotMob]

The match changed when Farke introduced Dan James and Bamford into the attack, with two being involved in Leeds' third goal from a free-kick.

Patrick Bamford changes the game against Leicester City

However, the latter's general play throughout his 25 minutes on the pitch was far more instrumental than his lucky deflection from James' set piece. Bamford maintained 100 per cent accuracy with his shots, as well as completing 100 per cent of his attempted dribbles. [FotMob]

leeds united
Patrick Bamford has been back in the goals for Leeds United this season.

The 30-year-old was incredibly impactful against the Leicester defence, winning 100 per cent of his ground duels and 67 per cent of his aerial duels, pushing the Foxes back and bringing his teammates into the attack - something Piroe could not quite manage.

Chelsea's centre-backs will pose a similar challenge, dominating on the ground and in the air, but Bamford should be a key change to Farke's XI for the FA Cup tie to combat this.

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