Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

I owe Brenden Aaronson an apology after what I witnessed in Sunderland vs Leeds

Declan Carr

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at Sports Mole and VAVEL; Masters graduate from Liverpool John Moores University. FOCUS Breaking news, long-form analysis, and club-level insight across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Declan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the depth behind the headlines — from breaking news to analytical deep-dives — to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Brenden Aaronson is an easy scapegoat when things go wrong for Leeds United.

Aaronson is a polarising figure amongst the Leeds fanbase, some supporters appreciate his workrate, while others believe that he is not good enough to be a Premier League regular.

My view falls in between those two, Aaronson is a solid squad player, but far too inconsistent to star for the Elland Road outfit, and that is why I called for Ao Tanaka to start over him.

However, I have to admit that I was wrong about his selection for Leeds' 1-1 draw with Sunderland, and I owe the American midfielder an apology.

Ao Tanaka at Leeds
Tanaka was kept on the bench by Aaronson. (Credit: Imago)

Why Aaronson proved me wrong in Leeds draw vs Sunderland

Aaronson was one of the best Leeds players at the Stadium of Light on 28 December, as the Whites left with a point.

The 25-year-old played a key part in a wonderful team goal, in which the ball was touched by every Peacocks player, as he put it into Dominic Calvert-Lewin's path, and the forward made no mistake from close range.

The pass was inch-perfect and was a just reward after a performance where he was all over the pitch, hassling the Mackems players.

On another day, he could have come away with a goal and three assists, as he had an effort cleared off the line by Trai Hume, and several teammates missed chances that he had set up.

Brenden Aaronson's stats for Leeds United vs Sunderland.
Aaronson's stats for Leeds vs Sunderland. (Credit: Imago)

I hold my hands up, I got it wrong, and he surprised me with an impressive showing.

Aaronson has not fully convinced me yet, here's why

It was a fantastic display, that cannot be argued against.

However, he needs to produce that kind of showing more often, as the inconsistency is a huge factor is why some Whites supporters do not rate him.

If he wants to convince me, and his own fanbase that he can be a star in the top-flight, then he needs to do it week in, week out, not just every few weeks.

It was an encouraging showing, but he cannot go and be anonymous against Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle in the next three games, if he is to fully convert the doubters.

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