Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Sun 22 March 2026 14:06, UK

Daniel Farke wasn’t happy with Brenden Aaronson’s performance in Leeds United‘s 0-0 draw with Brentford on Saturday.

The USA international was in fine form over January, but his quality in the final third has started to fade in recent weeks.

His poor performances have been a recurring theme, and it wouldn’t be a shock if Farke were to leave him out of the team for their remaining games after the international break.

Leeds were frustrated by Brentford at Elland Road, and the German head coach was seen reacting angrily to Aaronson’s lapses in concentration.

Daniel Farke left unimpressed by Brenden Aaronson vs Brentford

Since joining Leeds from RB Salzburg in 2022, Aaronson still hasn’t fulfilled his full potential in LS11.

Against Brentford, the 25-year-old was anonymous off the ball, and he failed to do any better in possession.

The Whites have only scored once from open play in the last five matches, and they need someone like Aaronson to turn up with a moment of individual brilliance.

According to Sofascore, he only had three touches in the opposition box, which is woeful for a number 10 in a must-win game at home.

The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth spoke about how he saw Farke rage at the 25-year-old for his carelessness with the ball at his feet in an off-camera moment.

He said: “Farke reacted furiously as Aaronson needlessly whacked a ball downfield, giving his striker no chance of chasing or competing for it.”

It encapsulates exactly how Leeds fans felt when watching the American on Saturday, and who knows if he will manage to retain his place in the starting lineup.

After the last few months, Aaronson doesn’t warrant a place in the team, and Farke has an incredibly easy solution.

How Leeds can benefit from benching Brenden Aaronson

Leeds played with a 3-4-1-2 formation against Brentford, and they failed to create a big chance, as they went three home games without a goal.

The tactics haven’t necessarily been poor, but it’s been more down to the players who aren’t moving the ball around quickly enough.

Anton Stach was utilised in a deeper role alongside Ethan Ampadu, which didn’t work at all and left Leeds toothless in the final third.

Ilia Gruev was on the bench at Elland Road, but Farke would have been better off using him instead of Aaronson, with Stach pushing up and leaving the Bulgaria international to sit deeper in midfield.

The German has been excellent for the Whites, and with seven goal involvements this season, he would have provided a much greater threat.

Leeds return to action to face West Ham in an FA Cup quarter-final clash at the start of April, and a three-man midfield of Ampadu, Gruev and Stach would definitely unsettle the hosts.

As for Aaronson, he may have to accept that he needs to do a lot more if he wants to help Leeds avoid relegation from the Premier League.