'I'm struggling' - Leeds United star on state of play after Daniel Farke decision
A Leeds United star has opened up on his current situation at Elland Road.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has established himself as an integral figure within the Leeds United side as Daniel Farke’s men continue their push for Premier League safety.
The England international was snapped up on a free transfer during the summer transfer window after bringing his lengthy stay with Everton to an end when his contract came to a close at the end of last season. After making his debut as a substitute in a goalless home draw with Newcastle United in August, Calvert-Lewin grabbed his first Whites goal in a 3-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers just under a month later and has really hit a purple patch in front of goal over the last six weeks.
Since finding the net in the 3-2 defeat at Manchester City in late November, Calvert-Lewin has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances and that has prompted talk of a possible return to the England squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup finals in the the United States, Mexico and Canada. However, the striker’s form has also left team-mate Joel Piroe to spend the vast majority of the season in a backup role and his last start in any competition came in the shock Carabao Cup second round exit at the hands of Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday.
Since that loss, Piroe has made eight substitute appearances and has remained on the bench in ten other fixtures as he plays second fiddle to the in-form Calvert-Lewin. The former Swansea City man has now opened up on his current status within Farke’s squad and admitted he will have to remain patient as he looks to work his way back into the Whites side.
He told Voetbal International: “I’m struggling, of course. Dominic Calvert-Lewin arrived last summer and is currently enjoying a period of scoring a huge number of goals. That’s impressive, especially after the years he’s had. You’re both teammates and competitors, and it’s good for the team that he’s performing like this. Thanks in part to him, we’re coming off a seven-match unbeaten run. I’ll have to be patient. I feel like I’m definitely not far off getting more minutes. But it’s sometimes difficult to convince someone to give you more chances. To show that you’re taking the right steps.”
What has Daniel Farke said about Joel Piroe?
Speaking last month amid speculation the forward could leave Elland Road, Farke said: “His finishing is world-class. He’s such a great character. We are a promoted side and we have to play to the strength of our players. His finishing skills at this level are outstanding. When we are dominant or need a goal, I’m sure I can pick him because he’s outstanding in these terms. When we’re not dominant in the game, sometimes you need more pace or physicality. Right now, there are not many games when we can be dominant. But he’s still definitely in my plans.”
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