Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has stated that the club has a world-class player who cannot currently force their way into his team.
Daniel Farke has largely retained faith in a core group of players this season, with several members of the Leeds squad waiting for their chance to impress.
Willy Gnonto has impressed from the bench in Leeds’ most recent two games, providing an assist against both Liverpool and Chelsea.
Marginalised striker Joel Piroe is another who is waiting for his chance, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin impressing so far this season.
Now, Farke has described Piroe as “world-class” as he discussed whether the Dutchman still has a future at the club.
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The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke’s plans.
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Daniel Farke praises Leeds United striker Joel Piroe
Speaking in his weekly press conference ahead of the game against Crystal Palace, Farke explained that Piroe still has a future at the club.
According to Farke, Piroe remains a top-class finisher; however, the nature of the Premier League means that the team needs a striker with a different profile from the start.
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Farke said: “Joel is a player I really, really love. I spoke several times about his finishing skills, so I think his finishing skills are world-class, and I’m also pretty grateful to have him with his skills, and also such a great character, together with us.
“We are a promoted side and have to make sure that we play a bit to the strength of the players. Of course, his finishing skills are also outstanding.
“Whenever we chase a game, or we are very dominant, or we need to go, then I’m pretty fortunate also that I can pick him because if I have to trust a player who finishes a situation, of course, it’s like all my strikers, but Joel is outstanding in these terms.”
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Elland Road has been a fortress this season.
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He added: “It’s not like I want to change him as a player. He has to stay exactly what he does, just like he is. At the moment, sometimes we have a game where we can’t be as dominant as last season.
“If we can do this, if we can be more dominant, then I’m pretty sure he also can be there with many, many end products for us. He’s still definitely in my plans and an important player for us.”
Lukas Nmecha injury could hand an opportunity to Joel Piroe
Leeds have received an injury blow on the verge of the game against Crystal Palace, as Farke confirmed that Lukas Nmecha will sit out the crucial encounter at Elland Road.
While this is bad news for Leeds, with Nmecha’s partnership with Calvert-Lewin looking promising before the injury, it could provide an opportunity for Piroe.
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With Nmecha ruled out, Noah Okafor will likely partner Calvert-Lewin up front in the game against Crystal Palace. However, Okafor has struggled to impose himself physically in the same way that Nmecha does.
If Farke decides he wants a more physical striker, there could be an opportunity for Piroe to stake his claim for more game time at Elland Road.
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