(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim/Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Jonathan Burnett

Tue 19 August 2025 17:04, UK

Joel Piroe is already in a battle to retain his Leeds United starting place after their dramatic late Premier League win against Everton.

Anton Stach brilliant, Joel Piroe horrific - Leeds ratings in win v Everton	Joel Piroe finished, Felix Nmecha new starter - Leeds' 3 winners and losers v Everton	Willy Gnonto, Dominic Calvert-Lewin react to Anton Stach's hilarious post after Leeds debut

Daniel Farke opted to start Piroe up front for Leeds’ top-flight return on Monday, with Lukas Nmecha on the bench and Dominic Calvert-Lewin absent from the matchday squad after his signing on 15 August.

Leeds are also close to adding Noah Okafor to their striker ranks after agreeing a £17million fee with AC Milan, with the Swiss international set to become their third attack-minded signing of the summer so far.

The first, Nmecha, came off the bench for Piroe in the second half against Everton and slammed home the winning penalty in the 84th minute with just his third touch, as Leeds got their Premier League campaign up and running.

(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Piroe spearheaded Leeds’ pressing of a makeshift Everton defence at Elland Road and helped them to dominate early on, but he couldn’t capitalise on any of his chances before Nmecha came on to score.

The 26-year-old would have been Farke’s first choice to take Leeds’ penalty had he not already been substituted, and Piroe also failed to match the aerial presence which a fit Calvert-Lewin would bring.

It remains to be seen if Farke will keep faith with the Dutchman for Leeds’ first Premier League away trip to Arsenal on 23 August, but Piroe remained defiant in an Instagram message on Tuesday.

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Both Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin liked Piroe’s post, which simply said; “First win Leeds United” alongside a ‘strong arm’ emoji.

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Football Insider Verdict

Although Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha have been signed to compete with Piroe as traditional ‘number nines’ this summer, the pair’s injury history and availability on free transfers implied more was needed.

Okafor’s arrival at Elland Road has been tipped to spell the end for Jack Harrison or Largie Ramazani as options on Farke’s left flank, but Leeds’ win over Everton suggests he could be used through the middle.

A high-pressing and energetic approach paid dividends for the Peacocks in their Premier League opener, and few fans would complain if Okafor is at the tip of Farke’s front three going forward this season.

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