Leeds United star Brenden Aaronson’s weakness again came to the forefront during the international break when he represented the United States.
Aaronson spent last season on loan at Union Berlin but decided against leaving Leeds in the summer transfer window to try and help the Whites get promoted back to the Premier League.
Since the United States international decided to stay at Leeds, the concerns around his lack of physicality have been a constant topic of discussion.
Aaronson has scored twice in the opening four Championship games and his eye for a goal and creativity are not the issues but some are wary of the way he gets shaken off the ball by opponents.
His performance for the United States during the international break has done little to calm the nerves at Elland Road ahead of their big game against Burnley on Saturday.
Leeds United star was the ‘second worst player’ on the pitch on Tuesday night
United States played out a 1-1 draw against New Zealand and Aaronson started the game for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The attacking midfielder was taken off after 66 minutes but in that time his weakness in terms of a lack of physical presence was again underlined.
Fotmob’s numbers show that the United States international was again too easily dispossessed and lost most of the duels against a New Zealand side not known for their pedigree at that level.
He was dispossessed five times, more than any other player despite only playing just over an hour and of his 12 duels, he lost seven, the second-worst player.
Aaronson claimed in the summer that he put on weight in muscle during his time in Germany last season but it doesn’t seem to have made much of a difference.
He remains a player with creativity and an eye for a goal but the Championship remains a physically unforgiving league for anyone.
Given Daniel Farke has gambled on Aaronson being the side’s number 10, his lack of physicality is likely to remain a problem for Leeds this season.
