Joel Piroe facing now or never situation at Leeds United after crucial Daniel Farke claim
Joel Piroe may be facing a now or never situation if he is to save his career at Leeds United.
The Whites have endured a mixed start to the new Premier League season, and they look set to face a lengthy battle in order to have any hope of avoiding the drop.
Piroe was a standout player for Leeds during their promotion campaign in the Championship last term, but it simply hasn’t been a similar story this time around.
The striker has found regular gametime hard to come by so far this term, but he could hold the key to Daniel Farke’s side turning their fortunes around.
Joel Piroe has to take opportunity after striking Daniel Farke claim
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has started the season as Leeds’ first-choice striker, but he is yet to set the world alight in West Yorkshire, with only one goal to his name from his opening six appearances for the club.
The former Everton star is a handy option at the top of the pitch, but he is unlikely to provide the goals that the Whites will need to keep them in the division.
They have found the back of the net just seven times in the Premier League so far this term, and with three of those coming in the recent win over Wolves, their fortunes in front of goal are understandably a concern.
- Only five teams have scored less than Leeds so far this season
- They have scored more than once in only two league games in 2025-26
- Piroe has netted 19 league goals or more in three of the last four Championship campaigns
Piroe could be the answer for Leeds, with Farke recently claiming that he is “the best finisher I’ve ever worked with,” as per quotes from the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The Dutchman has played less than 150 minutes in the league so far this season, but the manager’s claim hints that an opportunity to earn himself a start may be just around the corner.
There were concerns surrounding Piroe’s lack of experience in the Premier League over the summer, and if the chance does come his way, he simply has to take it.
Given his lack of football until now, he is facing a now or never situation at Elland Road, and if he doesn’t prove that he is capable of being effective in the top flight, it would be no surprise to see him shipped out in either January or the summer.
Joel Piroe’s finishing may hold the key to Leeds’ survival
Piroe’s lack of football at Leeds so far this season was perhaps somewhat expected given his little top-level experience, but it cannot continue if they are to stay up.
| Stats | Piroe Total |
| Mins per Goal | 163 |
| Conversion Rate | 19% |
| Shots on Target per game | 0.9 |
| Goals Inside the Box | 18 |
| Big Chances Created | 8 |
The Whites are creating just 1.5 big chances per game, meaning that what they do create simply has to be put away if they are to get their just rewards from games.
Premier League football is significantly more tactical and measured than in the Championship, but it is still their ability in both boxes that will ultimately decide a team’s fate at the end of the season.
Given Piroe’s tendency to sniff out opportunities in the opposition’s penalty area, it is surely only a matter of time before Farke calls upon him to try and provide more firepower in the starting XI.
The former PSV Eindhoven man will then have to prove his worth in the top flight, or he may find himself on the chopping block in January.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @motleedsnews