Leeds United: Ben Jacobs reacts to what’s been said about Joel Piroe, ‘I don’t think that’s fair at all’
Ben Jacobs doesn’t believe comments that Joel Piroe has been “anonymous” at Leeds United are “fair” following his performances this season.
Speaking to GiveMeSport on Friday (1 December), the CBS journalist said the Whites are “happy” with the signing of the 24-year-old from Swansea City as he has a “great personality” and is the right age and profile for the kind of player they were looking to bring in.
He added that the Dutchman just has to adapt to Daniel Farke’s way of playing as he expects the forward to become “more effective” as the season goes on.
“I think Leeds are happy with the signing of Piroe, that’s for sure,” said Jacobs. “He came with a great personality, and he’s the right age and the right profile. At the same time, he’s versatile. I don’t think we can say Piroe is entirely anonymous for Leeds, I don’t think that’s fair at all.
“He’s indeed come off the back, in 2022/23, of a 20-goal season for Swansea. He’s also played 15 Championship games for Leeds and has scored seven goals. So, the output is okay. I think it’s just a case of getting him acclimatised to Farke and his way of playing because he will only become more effective as the season progresses.”
Early days
It’s still very much early days for Piroe in his time with Leeds after he only joined the club just over three months ago from Swansea.
While there is a lot expected of him following his impressive goal record over the past couple of seasons, it isn’t always easy handling that pressure at a club like the Whites.
He’s also not playing in completely his natural position as Farke is asking him to play in a deeper forward role behind Georginio Rutter, with the pair looking to interchange and cause problems for the opposition’s defenders.
The Dutchman’s record isn’t bad by any means, though, after he scored his seventh goal on his 15th appearance for the club in the 3-1 victory over the Swans on Wednesday (29 November).
With more than half of the campaign still to go, there is no reason as to why he won’t be able to score 20 goals again in this campaign as he looks to help the Whites challenge for promotion.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites player is surely set for a January exit after the latest Farke snub.