One of the biggest surprises of Leeds United’s season after just five games has been Daniel Farke’s usage of Brenden Aaronson on the right wing, starting the last two Premier League games.
Having returned to Leeds under controversial circumstances in the summer of 2024 after using Victor Orta’s loan clause to join Union Berlin, Aaronson set himself a target of 30 goals and assists in 24-25.
But he came nowhere near that. Despite starting 44 of 46 Championship games, the USA star managed just 11 goals and assists. A solid nine goals scored, but just two assists from the no.10 position for Leeds.
Jon Newsome has often been his critic and questioned why Aaronson was not sold in the summer. But at Fulham and then Wolves, Aaronson has started and could well retain his place against Bournemouth.
Daniel Farke was ‘going mad’ at Aaronson during Wolves win
Aaronson actually enjoyed a decent outing against Wolves, showing some nice touches, a willingness to beat his man – he often gets criticised for his passive approach in attack – but a moment angered Farke.
Speaking on the Inside Elland Road podcast, the YEP’s Graham Smyth says Farke was “going mad” at Aaronson when he opted not to deliver a cross to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and played it backward.
“I think he probably did [have his best performance of the season]. However, there was real frustration for me in the first half. He cuts past someone, does really well, looks up, Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the box.
“We know what he can do when the ball is played in, and he opted not to cross. Daniel Farke was going mad at him for not crossing the ball, one of the players came and said to him, ‘cross the ball’,” he said.
“But he was really bright on the ball. He put an unbelievable cross in, in the first half. He had a couple of shots, there was intent there. It was good to see,” Smyth added, discussing Aaronson’s display at Wolves.
Daniel Farke’s options out wide as Leeds face Bournemouth
Farke has made the point that with Noah Okafor on one side, a player who specialises in going forward and producing magic, Leeds need a more defensive-minded winger on the other side to put work in.
Aaronson is that man. What he lacks going forward, he makes up for in work rate. Dan James and Willy Gnonto are expected to be fit after only being doubts for the Wolves match. Jack Harrison is available.
But the chances are that Aaronson is used again, given Bournemouth’s attacking quality. The Cherries currently sit in fourth place and are in good form. Leeds will need to nullify that to avoid defeat.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
