Brenden Aaronson has been one of the divisive figures at Leeds United in the last few years. Daniel Farke completely trusts the attacking midfielder and continues to back him even though some supporters aren’t hugely impressed by his style of play or contribution to the team.
Aaronson joined Leeds in the summer of 2022 and was woeful as the Whites suffered the ignominy of relegation from the Premier League at the end of the season, following a couple of managerial changes.
The American was quick to use the relegation clause in his contract and left Leeds to join Union Berlin on loan in the summer of 2023. However, he was back at Leeds a year later when the German club refused to sign him on a permanent deal.
Daniel Farke reintegrated him into the squad, but a section of the Leeds fans never really forgave him for abandoning Elland Road following the club’s relegation from the top flight.
He played a key role in Leeds’ promotion back to the Premier League last season, and with Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James injured, he is now featuring regularly on the right wing this term.
His lack of creativity in the final third means Leeds supporters are keen to see Farke try a more attacking option, but the Leeds boss has unwavering trust in the American attacking midfielder.
Brenden Aaronson plays every week, and here’s why
Aaronson can be frustrating to watch for fans, especially for someone who is occupying one of three forward areas in Daniel Farke’s team this season.
He neither creates nor scores enough for fans to fall in love with him, but he is integral to the way Farke wants his team to play in the Premier League this season.
Defensive security is the priority for Leeds this season as the manager is aware that his team need to stay in games for longer to ensure they have a chance to win the points needed to secure Premier League survival.
Aaronson’s defensive diligence and willingness to cover every blade of grass on the pitch with his running and harrying when off the ball are invaluable to the Leeds team.
His tackling and interception numbers are through the roof. One may argue whether we should judge a winger by his defensive actions, but that is what Farke wants.
Along with Jayden Bogle, the American more or less keeps the right flank on lockdown and cuts off at least one lane through which opponents can get at the Leeds defence.
Aaronson remains an incisive passer
The American is not a creator in the final third, and the criticism of his inability to create chances or score goals is a valid one. However, he remains an incisive short passer.
Brenden Aaronson is a busy player and is always looking to play that incisive pass that could lead to a chance or a goal in the final third, even if sometimes they do not come off.
Although some may question his dribbling and ball-carrying ability as a winger, he consistently delivers key passes that open up defences.
Aaronson’s defensive ability is a huge reason why he enjoys Farke’s trust, but he still has some attacking value because of his ability to find his man in the final third.
With Gnonto and James injured and a chronic lack of options in the squad, Aaronson will continue to keep his place in the team despite what fans want.
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