BBC pundit wowed by Joel Piroe as Leeds United ace doesn’t get credit he deserves v Ipswich
Aidy White has expressed his amazement at Joel Piroe after his performance during a 4-0 Leeds United win against Ipswich Town flew under the radar.
The Dutchman notched a goal as the Whites rampaged against second-place Ipswich at Elland Road. But the attacker could have scored more, crashing an effort off the underside of the crossbar.
Piroe has nine goals in the Championship so far this season, performing well since his move from Swansea City in the summer. But due to plaudits aimed towards Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, White believes that Piroe’s influence is “underestimated”.
“Wow,” White said on BBC Radio Leeds (23 December) as Piroe walloped the crossbar. “Lovely little stepover there, he shifts it, and then it would have been a lovely finish.
“That would have improved his stats – he is a bit of an underestimated player.”
The forward then scored four minutes later following a Leeds counterattack, prompting White to say, “Tremendous, tremendous goal. He sold the defender and put it into the back of the net, fair play to the lad.”
Underestimated or overshadowed?
During the 4-0 victory, which felt like a must-win as Leicester City and Ipswich continued to run away with the league, Summerville took his goal tally for the Championship season to 11 – third-highest in the league. So, it is understandable why Piroe may not be getting the applause he deserves.
Rutter was also devastating against the Tractor Boys but was unable to record a single goal contribution, performing well in the lead-up to the goals but not within touching distance of the final ball.
On another day, Piroe may well have netted a hat-trick, with one goal scored, one effort on target saved and another rebounding off the woodwork. All three turned to goals and opposition fans would have no option but to admire his campaign so far.
However, it is hardly surprising to see the 24-year-old doing so well. He was admired at his previous club, Swansea, scoring 22 and 19 goals in back-to-back seasons in South Wales. And there are no signs of him slowing down, especially with even better service than before.
In other Leeds United news, a pundit cannot believe one nasty incident in the win against Ipswich