Aidy White doesn’t think Daniel Farke actually wants to start Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson

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Leeds United’s 2-0 defeat to Burnley on Saturday was an example of the club’s crippling lack of quality in the final third. Brenden Aaronson was once again at the forefront of criticism from fans.

Alan Shearer was shocked by Leeds’ defeat, with Daniel Farke’s side dominating both possession and then chances but unable to score. Burnley won thanks to goals from Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna.

Leeds had an XG north of 2.5, 19 shots at goal, and 17 from within the penalty area and still failed to find the back of the net. Micah Richards actually says Leeds were “excellent”, but it was one of those days.

But it is a growing trend, and Leeds fans are worried that, actually, Leeds lack the top-tier quality required to survive relegation from the Premier League. But Farke was missing two of his best attacking options.

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Does Daniel Farke actually want to start Brenden Aaronson?

Aaronson has now started the last five Premier League games, with Dan James, Willy Gnonto, and, on Saturday, Noah Okafor missing. James came off the bench on Saturday, but he’s not ready to start yet.

Aidy White told BBC Radio Leeds, in the face of huge criticism for Aaronson, given his missed chance, which was tipped onto the post, White thinks Farke doesn’t actually want to start the American attacker.

“I don’t feel he necessarily wants to play Aaronson and Harrison,” White said. Presenter Jonny Buchan replied: “I don’t know, he defends Aaronson a lot, and he’s had options to play other players out there.

“And he’s defended Aaronson.” White continued: “But is that because he feels Dan James is his first choice and he’s been injured, and he’s not really got going? His hand has been forced,” he added.

Daniel Farke’s options on the right wing against West Ham

Gnonto has undergone surgery on a hernia problem and Farke confirmed prior to the Burnley game, that the Italy star would be back in training this week. He also reported that Gnonto’s calf issue is resolved.

James will have another week of training and the chance to get back to full fitness, after 30 minutes of game time on Saturday. Okafor will be a late call, after Fabrizio Romano said Okafor is out 7-10 days.

So, Farke will have more and better options than Aaronson come Friday night when Leeds take on Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham. Whether he does take Aaronson out of the side remains to be seen.