Joel Piroe to ditch ‘super-sub’ role and earn starting place for Leeds United
Joel Piroe will ditch his “super-sub” tag and eventually earn a starting place for Leeds United, according to David Norris.
Piroe, signed for £12m from Swansea in 2023, has scored three goals as a substitute in his last four outings but has started just one Championship match this season.
The Dutchman was on the scoresheet once again at Elland Road on Saturday when Leeds dispatched Coventry City, and Norris – speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News – believes Daniel Farke will soon have no choice but to shift Piroe into the starting XI.
“It’s something I’ve spoken about a lot as Piroe keeps delivering as a super sub off the bench, and I like him,” said the ex-Leeds midfielder.
“I think he’s a consistent finisher, he makes an impact off the bench and he’s one of the team’s main goal threats.
“I still back him in the long-term to be a starter, and I believe he’ll eventually get that regular game time and convert the chances Leeds create.”
Joel Piroe is a victim of his own substitute success at Leeds United
Leeds stood firmly on business on Saturday in sweeping aside a Coventry team expected to challenge again for the top six this season.
Piroe came on and got his goal, which is becoming obligatory these days – his only start came against West Brom last month and he was hooked after 64 minutes.
The issue the forward is now having is that the longer he continues scoring from the bench, the further he risks cementing that particular role as it benefits Farke’s tactical plan.
Piroe has to compete with the likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Mateo Joseph and Largie Ramazani who all started at the weekend, as Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt were left unused. Manor Solomon and Dan James are injured too – all of these players are bidding for game time alongside Piroe whether that be in wide areas or as a central striker.
If there is a way to fit him into the team, Farke will likely be considering so, but at the moment, Piroe is that player on the periphery who enters the fray and makes a huge impact, whether he likes it or not.
In other Leeds news, the club are chasing a highly-rated player from the lower leagues.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.