
Brenden Aaronson played a big part in Leeds United’s early goal against Norwich City at Elland Road on Wednesday night. He played the through ball to Daniel James who put in a low cross for Manor Solomon to score after just 31 seconds against the Canaries. The United States international is considered one of the most important players in the team by manager Daniel Farke despite the fans not taking a liking to him. He has been ever-present in the Leeds starting eleven and plays that important number 10 role that knits the midfield and the forward line together. Aaronson covers every blade of grass for the team and is a tireless performer but he is yet to win over the fans.
Aaronson was one of the first players to leave Leeds once they got relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2023/24 season when he joined Union Berlin on loan.
The fact that he was prepared to jump ship when he was one of the worst performers in the Premier League rubbed the fans the wrong way and for some, his reputation has never really recovered.
He returned to Leeds in the summer and while he was expected to leave, Aaronson decided to stay and try and help Leeds get promoted back to the top flight.
The United States international has faced criticism of his lack of physicality and he is the worst performer in the Leeds squad when it comes to winning physical duels in the Championship this season.
However, he enjoys the unwavering support of the Leeds manager who has made him one of the vital cogs of the team and the way they function.
Brenden Aaronson gets no rest from Farke
Farke is a fan of consistency in selection and if most of his top stars are fit, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to predict the Leeds starting eleven.
Some fundamental players will inevitably find their names on the team sheet if they are fit and ready to play on any given day and Brenden Aaronson is one of them.
The United States international has started 26 straight league games for Leeds this season. There were hopes that he could get a break during the festive period but he was one of the few players who started every game in a very short period.
He was a doubt for the game against Norwich on Wednesday night but when the team sheets came out he was occupying the number 10 role like he has been all season.
It is said availability is one of the greatest attributes to have for a player as it gives the manager some surety that he can depend on a certain individual for most of the season.
While Aaronson might not be the most naturally gifted player in the Leeds squad, his fitness levels and the fact that he is rarely injured make him a player that Farke can trust.
But will he be in their plans when Leeds are in the Premier League?
Aaronson could end up playing a big role in getting Leeds back to the Premier League given his importance in the team and how much Farke trusts him.
However, it is a legitimate question to ask whether he will be in Leeds’ plans in the top flight because he was one of their worst performers the last time they were in the Premier League.
The United States international was a marquee signing for Leeds in the summer of 2022 but he looked completely out of his depth in the top flight.
He struggled to adapt to the pace of the league and his lack of physicality came under the scanner with him getting dominated by defenders and midfielders.
Physicality remains a problem for him but Leeds have been able to hide that weakness of his better in the Championship where he is getting more time on the ball.
Has he improved sufficiently to suggest that he could do better in the Premier League this time around? The jury is out on this. Farke could be forced to take a painful call on Aaronson, a player who has provided tireless service to the team this season.
