Joel Piroe has got off to an electric start this pre-season, as Leeds United might question their need for another number nine.
The Dutchman has been on fire ahead of the Premier League season, as Piroe netted his fourth goal of pre-season against Villarreal.
It’s become clear that despite Leeds wanting another striker, the 26-year-old isn’t going down without a fight.
After 26 goal contributions last campaign, the forward might even question why the Whites are pursuing the chance to sign another option.
But the Peacocks faithful have given him backing as fans see Piroe succeeding in the Premier League, and after his start, the Leeds striker has offered some of his own advice to a player he thinks needs improvement.
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty ImagesJoel Piroe believes Harry Gray still needs improvement at Leeds United
With it looking like Daniel Farke currently has two striker options in use with Lukas Nmecha as well, could Harry Gray be within a shout?
Of course, Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph look to be exiting Elland Road this season, so it could mean more chances are presented to the youngster, who has shown his potential.
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Adam Pope sees Gray having a Premier League role, but after what Piroe said in the Villarreal post-match interview to LUTV, the 16-year-old needs to bide his time.
“I think he [Gray] still needs to improve a lot, but he’s showing he’s doing really well and I’m happy for him that he gets a chance as well to have a taste of what it feels like to be on the pitch, to be in and around the team,” Piroe said.
“I just hope for him that he gets even more hungry from it as well, that he wants more and tries to keep developing.”
You have to agree with the forward who knows what it takes to perform as a starting number nine.
Gray is only just about to turn 17 in October, proving how high his ceiling really is by being in the squad, and the youngster should take Piroe’s pre-season start as an example of how to attain this improvement.
Harry Gray can learn off Joel Piroe’s pre-season start at Leeds United
It seems like with Piroe’s advice, Gray has the perfect mentor at Leeds.
Although the Dutchman hasn’t been as consistent as he would undoubtedly like, his performances in pre-season have shown that his attitude has been top-notch.
This is something Gray can improve, as Farke won’t want to throw the young striker straight into the limelight, and instead, by learning from the Dutchman’s experience, he can develop his game.
Leeds see Gray as their ‘prize jewel’ and will want to protect him in the best way possible, and Piroe nurturing the young talent is a good way of doing so.