AliousJoel Piroe heads into the weekend sitting atop the Championship goalscoring charts, and he credits part of his clinical finishing ability to Leicester City manager and former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Since arriving at Leeds United from Swansea City for an initial £10.5 million fee, Piroe has faced some criticism over aspects of his all-around play. However, his exceptional finishing ability has more than made up for any shortcomings, making him one of the most lethal forwards outside the Premier League—and arguably on par with some top-flight strikers.
His latest moment of brilliance came in Monday night’s clash against Sheffield United. Just moments after Ao Tanaka’s decisive goal, Piroe unleashed a stunning long-range effort from 20-25 yards out, beating goalkeeper Michael Cooper with a left-footed rocket. That goal—his 15th of the season—not only sealed Leeds’ victory but also propelled him to the top of the Championship Golden Boot race, edging ahead of Norwich’s Borja Sainz on assists.
### **Van Nistelrooy’s Influence on Piroe’s Development**
Piroe’s goal-scoring instincts were shaped significantly during his time in the Netherlands, particularly at PSV Eindhoven, where he trained under Dutch legend Ruud van Nistelrooy. The former Manchester United star, now managing Leicester City, played a crucial role in refining Piroe’s skills in the art of finishing.
Speaking to *Voetbal Primeur*, Piroe shared insights into van Nistelrooy’s impact:
*”At PSV, I often had striker training from Ruud. He trained us well on what to do and what to expect. That aspect of his coaching may be a bit overlooked.”*
He elaborated on the specifics of van Nistelrooy’s guidance:
*”He taught us habits—what to look for as a striker, how to read defenders, where spaces will open up. He focused on shooting techniques and drilled repetition after repetition.”*
### **A Natural Finisher Helping Leeds Thrive**
While discussions around Piroe’s overall game continue, one thing remains undeniable: his ability to convert chances has been invaluable to Leeds. The club has long searched for a consistent goal threat, and Piroe has delivered exactly that. His improvement this season has been notable, but his finishing stands out as his biggest asset—one that is helping Leeds secure crucial wins.
If there’s one player in the EFL you’d want a chance to fall to, it’s Joel Piroe. His precision and composure in front of goal reflect the influence of a true master, and it’s no surprise that he continues to praise van Nistelrooy for shaping that key aspect of his game.
Alious
