Brenden Aaronson tops crucial Leeds United stat, Daniel Farke's decision may have substance
Brenden Aaronson has been Leeds United's equivalent of Marmite.
With the international break upon us, again, Leeds currently sit 15th in the Premier League, having won just one of their last five encounters.
That being the 3-1 victory away to Wolves, where Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his first, and only, Leeds United goal.
Not only that, but it also proved to be Aaronson's second starting appearance for the Whites this season, and based on several indicators, it may now be his place to lose.
No Leeds player averages more xA than Brenden Aaronson
With Dan James out with an ankle injury and Willy Gnonto still sidelined, Aaronson has been Farke's go-to option for the right flank.
Quite frankly, that angered a lot of supporters, who will have remembered just how ineffective the USMNT international was in the Championship.
However, since occupying the right-wing, Aaronson has actually offered a fair amount, and his numbers are more impressive than many would think.
Via FotMob, no Leeds player averages more xA per 90 than Aaronson, who has recorded 0.18 so far this season.
xA, otherwise known as expected assists, measures the likelihood that a pass, cross or through ball will become a goal assist based on several factors about the pass
However, his importance isn't defined entirely by his attacking output, with other areas showcasing why Farke may be right to have utilised him so much this season.
Brenden Aaronson is a workhorse at Leeds
Leeds United have found themselves with their backs to the wall on several occasions this season, and there are very few better players at dealing with that than Aaronson.
Via Sofascore, the USMNT international averages 2.57 ball recoveries per game, 1.86 tackles, and 0.29 interceptions.
If Leeds are to find success in the Premier League, they need their forwards to be able to defend from the front, and Aaronson is by far the best at doing so.
- Duels won per 90 - 4.71
- Possession won in the final third per 90 - 0.14
- Possession won in the middle third per 90 - 1.14
Had Calvert-Lewin found his shooting boots recently, Aaronson could easily have had a few assists, and when adding that to his defensive output, it showcases exactly why Farke has stuck with him in the top flight.
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