Brenden Aaronson took his tally for goals and assists to double figures on Saturday afternoon when he opened the scoring in Leeds United’s massive 7-0 win over Cardiff City.
The United States international ended a run of five Championship games without a goal or assists when he tapped home Dan James’ pass to score the first of seven Leeds goals on Saturday at Elland Road.
Manor Solomon, Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto, Mateo Joseph and a Joel Piroe brace rounded off the win. A stunning performance from Leeds and with Burnley drawing, the Whites are now five clear of third place.
It was Aaronson’s 28th consecutive Championship start for Leeds with The Whites lacking competition in the no.10 role and Aaronson has struggled. Aaronson was aiming for 30 goals and assists to begin with.
Brenden Aaronson explains why he has been frustrated of late
A solid spell in December saw Aaronson have a hand in four goals in five games, scoring three including a gorgeous winner in a 1-0 away win over Derby. But the numbers dried up after the turn of the year.
Indeed, his goal against Cardiff was Aaronson’s first involvement in 2025 and with Leeds prioritising a new striker, Aaronson is likely to continue in his starting role. Leeds will need goals and assists more regularly.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Aaronson explained his lack of form: “Sometimes I have to be more patient between the lines. It’s been a bit frustrating recently, I’ve had a lot of the sixes following me around.
“So it hasn’t been as easy to pick up the ball and drive. Sometimes you have to be patient but today I could do that. I can keep adding assists and scoring goals,” Aaronson said, underlining his frustration.
Leeds fans must remember Aaronson’s game is not just numbers
Stuart Dallas said Aaronson is one of Leeds’ best players in transition. So often, Aaronson receives the ball on the half-turn and gets Leeds up the pitch, feeding the likes of Solomon, James or even striker Piroe.
Aaronson is the man often supplying the pass before the assist, doing so for Solomon’s opener against Norwich City. Daniel Farke said Aaronson is capable of Zinedine Zidane-likes passes but he is underrated.
Largely because there is a stigma surrounding Aaronson that he is always on the deck, outmuscled by the physicality of the Championship but actually, this is outdated. Aaronson is winning more duels than ever.
Against Cardiff, Aaronson actually won six of his eight duels as per FotMob. Leeds fans expect more from Aaronson because he gets into brilliant positions because of his ability on the half-turn.
If the £25m signing from Salzburg can just give himself a bit more credit, make the right decision instead of taking an extra touch, then he is the finished article. But that remains an issue for Aaronson right now.
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