Joel Piroe interview: Georginio Rutter strike partnership, his new role and Leeds aims

Joel Piroe chats to Sky Sports about his partnership with Georginio Rutter, his new role in the side and his aims with Leeds United; Watch Stoke City vs Leeds United live on Sky Sports Football from 7.30pm on Wednesday; Kick-off 8pm

EFL Editor @simgholam

Tuesday 24 October 2023 18:05, UK

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It is a pairing in its early stages, and they may have a few kinks to work out, but Joel Piroe still breaks into a smile when he thinks about his blossoming strike partnership with Georginio Rutter at Leeds United.

«There are still some bits we need to work on, but we're growing every day and really getting to know each other,» the forward tells Sky Sports after winning the Sky Bet Championship Goal of the Month award for September — for a fine team move that ended with Piroe being found in the box by his fellow striker.

«We know about what we both have and we are just trying to make it work better and better.»

On the face of things, Piroe and Rutter look like two No 9s trying to fit into the same role. But the reality provides an exhibition of movement, combination and fluidity.

Piroe, a superb goalscorer who joined from Swansea in the summer, is now excelling in his new role as a second striker.

«I think this might be my best position,» he says. «The team is set up so we're playing as two strikers who swap roles every now and again, and I think it brings the best out of both of us. I think we'll only get better as well.»

It is a burgeoning strikeforce reminiscent of an elite axis in the Premier League. Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez have made a similar system work at Manchester City, as two strikers learning to play together, rather than getting in each other's way.

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