Daniel Farke to ignore external Leeds United narrative over Joseph despite what Piroe did v Coventry
Daniel Farke must ignore the external narrative being created between Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe at Leeds United.
Joseph got the nod over his Dutch teammate to start the 3-0 win against Coventry at Elland Road on Saturday [28 September].
However, Piroe found the back of the net in the second half as a substitute and now Daniel Farke is facing a selection dilemma.
An external narrative is developing at Leeds, as reported by Beren Cross for Leeds Live [29 September] but Farke must block out the outside noise and continue to place his faith in the Spaniard.
Cross wrote: “Joseph will know which way the external narrative is being painted between him and Piroe, who can’t stop scoring, but the Spaniard is bringing so much to the table beyond that.
“A goal would be nice for his confidence, but his pressing and strength in holding the ball up facilitated so much that was good from those behind him.”
The 20-year-old has all the tools to become a success for Leeds this season, he can become a crucial player for Farke in the race for automatic promotion despite the goalscoring exploits of Piroe.
Mateo Joseph is a valuable asset to Leeds United
Joseph’s run in the starting lineup at Leeds appears to be heading for an end after another goalless outing against Coventry and his main competitor Piroe in fine form.
The 25-year-old has scored three goals in his last four Championship appearances, the type of goal-scoring form Farke will be unable to ignore for much longer.
On the brighter side, the German has a headache regarding who to select to start against Norwich City on Tuesday [1 October] and a good headache to have with two top-quality options fighting tooth and nail for a starting berth.
Joseph has come under fire recently for his recent performances and, while his one goal and three assists this season fail in comparison to Piroe’s three goals and one assist, he offers so much more to this Leeds side than merely goal contributions.
His ability to link up play, relentlessly press the opposition, and shrug off his defensive counterpart are valuable tools to cope with the physical intensity of the English second tier.
However, goals are the most valuable commodity in football and the facts are there for all to see, Piroe is outscoring his teammate and therefore a more sensible option to lead the line for the time being.
Both will have their role to play for the Whites this season and will earn their fair share of minutes, not one can carry the mantle alone and the battle for a starting place should be celebrated by the supporters and not considered as another problem to be solved.
In other Leeds United news, Ao Tanaka must step up for the Whites after an injury twist in the win v Coventry.
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