Jesse Marsch: Brenden Aaronson needs to focus on becoming more ‘dangerous’ for Leeds United
Brenden Aaronson has been a superb addition to Leeds United this season, but Jesse Marsch has issued a challenge to his compatriot.
Aaronson joined the Whites for £22.2million [The Athletic] in the summer, and has immediately become a crucial part of Marsch’s lineup.
The 21-year-old has slotted into midfield and become an outlet for creativity and goals, although Leeds United’s attacking output has somewhat slowed in recent weeks.
Therefore, Marsch has challenged Aaronson to adapt and become more “dangerous” in upcoming matches, with teams quickly targeting him as a threat.
“There’s been games where we’re much in control of the match for major portions, [but] we’re not scoring enough goals,” said Marsch, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“So, we have to find a way to continue to be effective in the last third and when we’re on top of matches, to capitalise.
“We’re just not able to be dangerous enough.
“Most opponents are addressing him as someone that they need to keep track of tactically when they play.”
Rough patch
Aaronson is simply feeling the effects of Leeds United’s drop in form. The American playmaker was central to Leeds’ superb start to the season and has been crucial in linking up the midfield and attack.
He already has a goal and two assists to his name in the Premier League, and he’s become and an immediate hit with the fans.
But admittedly, he has dropped off a little in recent matches and has been unable to have a similar impact as he did towards the start of the season.
Marsch is right to suggest that teams are becoming more familiar with his style, but Aaronson has still shown that he can create, just as he did against Crystal Palace – if Patrick Bamford was more clinical then he’d easily have registered another assist.
Once the goals start flowing, there’s no doubt that confidence will grow and Aaronson will return to top form.
To his credit, even when not having the best game Aaronson continues to work hard and press from the front – a characteristic that Marsch will always appreciate.
In other Leeds United news, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly wants ex-Liverpool director Michael Edwards instead of Victor Orta