Daniel Farke Leeds United comments have reignited debate around Joel Piroe’s role at Elland Road. The Dutch forward, last season’s Championship Golden Boot winner with 19 league goals, has not started any of the Whites’ past four games. Yet Farke insists Piroe is the “best finisher I’ve ever worked with” and a player he still considers vital to Leeds’ campaign.
The timing of the remarks is striking. Leeds welcome Tottenham to Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime aiming to protect a remarkable 23-game unbeaten home league run. But with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line and Lukas Nmecha preferred from the bench in recent weeks, Piroe has had to watch on.
Farke hails “world-class” Piroe
Speaking ahead of the clash with Spurs, Farke offered glowing praise for the 25-year-old striker.
“For me, he’s the best finisher I’ve ever worked with and there’s been some good finishers,” Farke said. “If you want to have a player with the ball in front of his feet 20 yards out, then I would always go for Joel Piroe because he’s an unbelievable finisher and in these terms, really world class.”
He continued: “Of course, it’s tough, especially when you have a player like Joel, who is giving everything, who has worked on his fitness level a lot, who is a top-class character.”
“If you want to have a player with the ball in front of his feet 20 yards out, then I would always go for Joel Piroe because he’s an unbelievable finisher and in these terms, really world class.” — Daniel Farke
Why Piroe is not playing
Farke explained that recent tactical requirements have dictated his selections.
“Sometimes different skills are asked for,” he said. “He’s more a player who’s not like the physical target striker, where you play balls into him and he holds the ball. He’s smart in his movements when there is a bit more space. He can also play as a number 10… I’m 100 per cent sure that during the season the skills and the strength of Joel Piroe will be needed.”
Piroe’s versatility is therefore a blessing and a curse. Able to play as a striker or in a deeper role, he offers tactical options but does not always fit the template Farke wants in certain games.
Leeds’ form heading into Spurs clash
Despite Piroe’s absence, Leeds have started the season steadily. They sit in mid-table with a strong home record to protect, unbeaten at Elland Road since September 2024. Victory over Tottenham would make it 24 league games without a home defeat and potentially lift Farke’s men into the top half.
Tottenham, fourth in the table after a 1-1 draw with Wolves, will provide a stern test. Thomas Frank’s side were held 2-2 at Bodø/Glimt in midweek and know the challenge of extending their good record at Elland Road, having won five of their last six league meetings with Leeds.
| Stat (2024/25 Championship) | Joel Piroe |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 42 |
| Goals | 19 |
| Assists | — |
| Shot conversion rate | –% |
source: sofascore match data – October 2025
His Golden Boot campaign was crucial to Leeds’ return to the Premier League, underlining the quality Farke still sees in him.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William said: “This is classic man-management from Farke. By praising Piroe’s finishing and professionalism, he keeps the striker motivated even while he is out of the side. It also reassures fans that Piroe has not been forgotten.”
He added: “Leeds will need Piroe during the season. Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha bring physicality, but Piroe’s ability to exploit space and finish chances clinically gives Leeds a different weapon. Expect him to have decisive moments later in the campaign.”
Key insights
- Farke calls Joel Piroe the “best finisher” he’s worked with.
- Dutch striker scored 19 goals last term to win the Championship Golden Boot.
- Piroe has been benched in four straight games.
- Farke insists his versatility and skillset will be vital this season.
- Leeds defend a 23-game unbeaten home league run against Spurs.
What’s next for Piroe?
While not currently first choice, Piroe looks certain to feature heavily over the long season. Injuries, fixture congestion and tactical shifts will all present opportunities.
For now, his focus is on staying sharp and ready. With Farke continuing to hail his ability, it may only be a matter of time before Leeds fans see Piroe producing goals once again at Elland Road.
👉 Should Joel Piroe be starting more often for Leeds after Farke’s “world-class” verdict?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 3 Oct 2025 09:46
All bollock, he just doenst rate him otherwise he would have played more. But tbh I havent seen any Leeds matches this season apart from Arsenal away, so im not sure how Nmecha and Calvin are doing right now.
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