Daniel Farke welcomed his Leeds United players back to Thorp Arch this week for the start of pre-season training. It’s been five and a half weeks since the Championship play-off final and Leeds will be motivated by the heartbreak as they push to go one better and win promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
The Whites have announced just two friendlies so far with games against Harrogate Town and Valencia on the schedule either side of a trip to Germany. However, the next few weeks promise to be huge for a number of players within Farke’s first-team picture as they look to put their best foot forward and force their way into the German’s plans. Here’s a look at some of those who need to impress over the next few weeks at Thorp Arch.
7. Joel Piroe
The Dutchman had a season of two halves last time around. He started well following his switch from Swansea City but lost his spot in the side at around the halfway mark and spent much of the second half of the season as a substitute. He'll be determined to nail down that striker spot this summer ahead of Patrick Bamford, though, and impressing Farke over the summer could put him at the top of the pecking order. | Getty Images