(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Sat 4 April 2026 12:10, UK

Brenden Aaronson looks likely to keep an important role under Daniel Farke for the run-in, much to the disappointment of many Leeds United fans.

The Whites are entering a crucial period in the season, with hopes of keeping their top-flight status still the main goal with seven matches to go.

Leeds return to club action against West Ham United this Sunday in an FA Cup Quarter-final showdown that Farke will have big decisions to make in.

One of his consistent starters has been Aaronson, as the American’s form has been fairly turbulent throughout he season.

Leeds fans have been frustrated with Aaronson‘s performances and have called for him to be dropped, but Farke’s comments before the West Ham game may prove he’s going nowhere.

Daniel Farke admits he was happy over Brenden Aaronson’s minutes for USA

Aaronson was called up to the US Men’s National Team in preparation for his country’s World Cup hosting campaign this summer.

The attacking midfielder was benched in a 2-5 loss to Belgium, and managed just 11 minutes off the bench this Tuesday in a 2-0 defeat to Portugal.

The 25-year-old started in Leeds’ 0-0 draw to Brentford last time out, and could be set for a place in Farke’s starting eleven against West Ham and beyond.

That’s if the Leeds boss’s latest quotes ahead of the game are anything to go by.

Farke said, as quoted by Leeds Live: “If you look at his objective data, even when subbed in, he’s top. His point average when he starts is pretty good. His work rate is never in doubt.

“Like all players, he was up and down in the season. I like his attitude and what he delivers. I was quite happy he didn’t play many minutes for the US.”

As highlighted by Sofascore in the graphic above, he also received negative comments from supporters for his display in the goalless draw to Crystal Palace.

He’s been a big frustration for fans recently, so let’s just hope he can have a good end to the season, with Farke likely to use him.

Who should play instead of Aaronson?

It goes without saying, but the Whites are probably best off with Aaronson starting on the bench.

Though the American hasn’t delivered the goods for a while, his purple patch earlier in the campaign has admittedly helped Leeds stay out of the relegation zone overall.

• Aaronson grabbed four league goal involvements from 28 December to 7 January
• He has seven goal contributions this season

The likes of Facundo Buonanotte, Noah Okafor, Joel Piroe, and Ao Tanaka are all there for Farke to use instead of Aaronson, depending on what formation he goes for.

However, it would be no real surprise to see the Leeds boss start him against the Hammers, and then also versus Manchester United in the first league game back.