Daniel Farke needs more from Brenden Aaronson at Leeds United after what he did on USA duty
Brenden Aaronson’s latest performance on international duty for the United States showed some signs that will worry Daniel Farke at Leeds United.
Aaronson started on the right-hand side of a front three for the USMNT’s match against Panama on 13 October, but was taken off after 78 minutes having been rather ineffective in their eventual 2-0 victory.
Having returned to Thorp Arch this summer following last season’s loan spell at Union Berlin, Aaronson has featured in all 10 of United’s matches so far this season, starting eight games and scoring twice.
However, with the midfield battles at Elland Road set to intensify following Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev’s injuries, Aaronson needs to show much more once he returns to LS11 to keep his place in the team.
Brenden Aaronson needs to step up to the plate at Leeds United
Aaronson was by no means a passenger as the US limped to a home win over Panama in Mauricio Pochettino’s first game in charge, firing off two shots in total and creating a chance with one of his 14 completed passes from 16 attempts [FotMob].
However, one of those efforts on goal was blocked, with the 23-year-old limited to just two touches in the Panama box, managing just 27 in total and being dispossessed on one occasion.
Furthermore, Aaronson completed just one of his four attempted dribbles (25 per cent), losing six of his eight duels on the ball overall and conceding three free-kicks in the process [FotMob].
Aaronson failed to win any set-pieces going the other way, and despite being involved on the defensive side of things with a tackle, block and recovery apiece, it was a frustrating 78 minutes for the attacking midfielder.
Once he returns to LS11, Aaronson will be expected to provide more of a defensive option in the number eight role following United’s injury crisis, and Farke will be expecting him to show more strength and determination on the ball than he did against Panama.
In other Leeds news, a new Whites signing is “in the balance” with the free agent spending several days at Thorp Arch this week.
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