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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Joel Piroe is just lethal in front of goal as Swansea City boss reveals major asset which makes him a 'top striker'

When Murray Wallace took a heavy touch in the Millwall box, Joel Piroe was on red alert.

In an instant, Bartosz Bialkowski was picking the ball out of his own net after Piroe coolly rifled a driven shot into the bottom corner of the goal without even needing to take the ball under his control first. Another first-time strike, and, crucially, a match winner. You can read the full match report here.

The Dutchman now has 18 goals to his name in his debut campaign in south Wales, which is one more than last season's top scorer Andre Ayew managed in all competitions. Remarkably, Piroe has reached that tally without scoring a single penalty or free-kick, with five of Ayew's efforts last term coming from spot-kicks.

Read more: The superb Swansea City player ratings as clinical Joel Piroe seals Millwall win and Naughton majestic again

And Russell Martin has opened up on Piroe's mindset in front of goal. "He's desperate for a penalty, he's good at them," said the head coach. "Maybe at some point we'll get one.

"If you want it to fall to anyone, it's him. He's so clinical with both feet and a brilliant technician, but the most important thing he has is the right mentality when he gets around goal. Composure, calm, he just focuses on his technique, takes a breath, relaxes, something that all top strikers possess."

The Swans played some truly majestic stuff at Millwall, regularly playing courageously out from the back with confidence and precision to frustrate their play-off chasing opponents. There were nervy moments and a few mishaps, but, all in all, it was a display that offered plenty of encouragement.

Joel Latibeaudiere remained on the left side of Swansea's back three after starring in the position against Cardiff City on Saturday, with the returning Ryan Manning operating at left wing-back. Jay Fulton replaced the absent Flynn Downes to make what was only his third start since the opening month of the campaign and shone in front of the defence.

Where will Swansea finish in the Championship this season? Have your say in the comments section below.

"I can't take Joel out after the way he played on Saturday. Whenever someone comes out of the team, and Ryan Manning has been outstanding this year, it gives an opportunity to someone else," added Martin.

"We always say to the guys, if you play well, it's up to you to keep the shirt. Everyone needs to produce, even the guys who are not in the squad. They need to push each other in training, and they do that every day. It's a brilliant group to work with.

"He came in on Saturday in the toughest of occasions and he dealt with it brilliantly, he played really well. And he played brilliantly again tonight. I'm really proud and pleased for him, he's a great young man, attitude wise. His willingness to work, it's been a tough season for him, playing in a different role a lot. But the way he just keeps on working has been great.

"I'm sure he'll be desperate to play again on Saturday. We'll have to look how people recover, it's all about recovery now. He's deserved the chance to play again tonight and I thought he did brilliantly, as did Jay Fulton coming into the team. I thought that was the best he's played for us so I'm really pleased for him as well."

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