It’s been an eventful first half to the season for Brenden Aaronson as the United States star is forced to contend with more than most in order to shine for Leeds United this season.
Whether it be his £25m fee, his decision to be one of the eight that left Leeds on loan after relegation, or constant criticism about his lack of physicality, Aaronson has to put up with more pressure than most.
But despite all that, Aaronson has started 23 consecutive Championship games after coming on as a sub in the first two. He has had a hand in nine goals so far, scoring seven and laying on two more in assists.
He scored a stunning winner against Derby but failed to replicate that touch of class when presented with a decent opportunity against Blackburn, after cutting inside with neither team yet to score on Wednesday.
Jermaine Beckford notices something about Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson is aiming for 15 goals and 15 assists this season and while he is some way off that, the USA star is excelling for The Whites despite the criticism that constantly surrounds the slight playmaker from fans.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s draw with Blackburn, Jermaine Beckford told the LUTV Matchday Show that he has noticed Aaronson has been able to push aside the off-field pressure to focus on his form.
“He’s put all the attention off the field to one side, the one thing you can control as a player is what goes on on the pitch. He’s grafted his absolute socks off every game, non-stop, consistently.
“We’ve seen a few moments where he should have scored, should have had two against Derby, but he’s getting those moments and creating chances. He puts pressure on defenders, he’s not a quick player.
“But because his low centre of gravity, similar to Solomon, he can change direction quickly. It’s just that final pass, final shot, final cross that needs a little bit more attention. But what a player he is turning into.”
Only one Leeds player has more goals and assists than Aaronson
Aaronson’s importance in this Leeds side should not go understated. This is a player that is playing 90 minutes on a regular basis, he is not rotated and rested like the strikers of the wingers under Farke.
| Name | Games (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| Joel Piroe | 25 (15) | 1330 | 9 | 5 | 95 |
| Wilfried Gnonto | 25 (20) | 1660 | 4 | 5 | 184.4 |
| Brenden Aaronson | 25 (23) | 1955 | 7 | 2 | 217.2 |
| Dan James | 19 (14) | 1252 | 5 | 3 | 156.5 |
| Manor Solomon | 18 (9) | 910 | 3 | 3 | 151.7 |
Aaronson is often the player providing the pass before the assist and he might have had a couple more assists. His pass for Piroe’s first against Stoke was not deemed an assist, even though he played the pass.
Leeds may pursue a no.10 in the January window but it would be harsh on the former Salzburg attacker as his value in the side continues to go underrated. If Leeds are to get promoted, Aaronson will be key.
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