Daniel Farke backed to take Joel Piroe action at Leeds United
Don Goodman would not be surprised to see Daniel Farke change Joel Piroe’s role – or leave the forward out – when Leeds United face Plymouth Argyle.
Piroe started as the focal point of the attack for last weekend’s goalless draw against Bristol City, with the likes of Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford among the substitutes.
However, after going three starts without a goal, Goodman has speculated whether Joseph could come back into the side as he praised Farke’s handling of the youngster’s minutes.
“It’s horses for courses. Matteo Joseph did well in the first eight games or so and is a young player,” Goodman told MOT Leeds News.
“You can sometimes feel that physically and mentally at that age in a high-profile situation – Leeds are a huge fish in the Championship – and it can take its toll on young players.
“Joel came in, took his chance initially and did well, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Joel is moved to a 10 role, or even if Joel drops back to the bench.
“I just think it’s a luxury Farke has now. What he will want is all his players scoring. Joseph has brought an awful lot to the team away from scoring goals and Farke will know he has a few very good options up top.”
Joel Piroe needs to step up for Leeds United
Piroe is a versatile attacker and has been used as both a number nine and 10 by Farke this season, and his figures are by no means bad.
Four goals and two assists from 12 Championship outings is a decent return, albeit he has now gone three games without a goal – each of those being starts.
Farke has other options, namely Joseph, and it may well be that he elects to go with the 21-year-old up top against Plymouth at Elland Road on Saturday (2 November).
If that is the case, the big call then is whether to utilise Piroe in a slightly deeper role and leave out someone like Brenden Aaronson, who himself needs to offer more. Either way, the power is in Farke’s hands.
In other Leeds United news, a deal for Jonathan Rowe could still be on the cards.
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