Joel Piroe issued Leeds United warning ahead of Cardiff City clash
Don Goodman has warned Joel Piroe he simply has to believe in himself if he is to make a success of himself at Leeds United.
Piroe was linked with a move away from Elland Road towards the end of the summer transfer window, just a year on from arriving at the club [Sheffield Star, 29 August].
The former Swansea City ace had a mixed first season in West Yorkshire and started just one Championship match so far this season.
Goodman says it is now down to Piroe to show what he is capable of as Leeds prepare to take on Cardiff City on Saturday (21 September).
“Firstly, we don’t know how close that deal was to going through”, Goodman told MOT Leeds News of the transfer links with Sheffield United. “But there’s an opportunity there for Joel Piroe at a huge club, and the gauntlet has now been thrown down to him.
“He has to fight and play so well that he starts week in, week out. Anything other than having the thought that you can be the best version of yourself and get in the team regularly is a silly thought.
“He had an okay season last season but found it difficult to be the main man in a talented squad. He’s himself talented and Leeds fans, consistently speaking, haven’t seen the best of him yet. If I was Piroe, I’d be wanting to show more of myself on a regular basis.”
Joel Piroe frustrated at Leeds United
Landing Piroe from Swansea City last year was a major coup for Leeds, adding to what was already a very talented attack.
A return of 14 goals and three assists in 45 Championship appearances last season was a decent one, especially considering only 30 of those were starts.
However, Piroe is once again playing a back-up role under Daniel Farke, coming on as a substitute in his last three appearances, totalling 44 minutes on the field.
The Dutchman made the most of those minutes recently when scoring against Hull City, and there is an argument to be made that he should start against Cardiff.
Piroe simply needs to continue taking his chances and leave Farke will no choice but to start him. With a bit of luck, the trip to Cardiff could be a turning point of sorts.
In other Leeds United news, Don Goodman has made a prediction regarding Willy Gnonto at Elland Road.
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