“I can learn a lot” – Leeds United forward training with Whites icon

Leeds United striker Joel Piroe has admitted he will be looking to learn from Elland Road icon Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink, who he’ll be working with on the international stage with Suriname.

ESPN Netherlands have an interview with the Leeds striker today. He discusses his decision to play for Suriname over the Netherlands, and how he’ll try to convince Crysencio Summerville to do the same.

Leeds United connection

The 26-year-old declared for the nation earlier this month, turning his back on the Netherlands in the process. That’s despite playing for the Dutch at U15, U16, U18, U19 and U20 level.

The choice was a personal one, driven by his family. But there are also other benefits. One of those is working with Hasselbaink.

He’s a part of manager Henk ten Cate’s backroom staff, alongside the likes of Winston Bogarde, Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert.

Hasselbaink, of course, also has connections to Leeds. He was prolific in white from 1997 to 1999, scoring 42 goals in 87 appearances in all competitions. That experience is something Piroe wants to take advantage of.

“Apart from the fact that I have a lot of respect for his (Ten Cate’s) career as a coach, what he has already achieved and what that can mean for me, it was mainly due to Hasselbaink,” he said about his choice.

“Because of the individual training sessions. He is someone who has already proven himself in the Premier League, who knows a lot about it, and from whom I can still learn a lot.”

Plans for Summerville

Piroe isn’t the only Dutchman that Suriname have targeted in recent months; the standout is West Ham star Crysencio Summerville.

He’s very much in their eyeline, but so far has resisted any efforts. He’s focused on getting a callup to the Netherlands instead. That was supposed to happen in this international break, but an injury put an end to that.

He does, though, remain in Koeman’s plans and will be a shoo-in for the World Cup if he continues to shine before the end of the season. Piroe, though, has plans to try and convince his former Leeds teammate.

“I’m definitely going to bother him a little bit about that,” he adding, jokingly.

“We’ve talked about it before. I think the situation is just a tiny bit tricky for him too. He gets more minutes at West Ham and is doing really well there.”