Journalist Tom Bogert has taken to Twitter to explain why Brenden Aaronson was left out of the starting lineup for Leeds United’s defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Leeds suffered another hugely disappointing defeat on the road, with Brennan Johnson scoring the only goal at the City Ground. With that, there seems to be huge scrutiny on Jesse Marsch’s future at Elland Road.
The result was all the more frustrating because Leeds did play well in the first-half. But once again, one mistake – along with a potential offside call which was missed – cost the Whites.
Brenden Aaronson in hospital days before Leeds defeat
It did seem that Marsch got his team selection spot on initially. Some may have hoped to see Weston McKennie go straight in. But the attack was extremely exciting, with Luis Sinisterra, Jack Harrison, Willy Gnonto and Patrick Bamford all starting.
Aaronson meanwhile, was on the bench. It seemed to be the right decision, with the American struggling for form for some time. However, it seems that the decision may have almost been taken out of Marsch’s hands anyway.
Bogert has reported on Twitter that Aaronson actually did extremely well to make the bench for the game…
Brenden Aaronson made the bench today for Leeds United despite being hospitalized during the week for appendicitis, I’m told.
Aaronson got out of the hospital Wednesday. Big surprise he was even made the bench. (That’s why he wasn’t in any of McKennie signing videos like Adams) pic.twitter.com/88khsHJnM8
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) February 5, 2023
Firstly, fair play to Aaronson. I have been extremely critical of the 21-year-old of late. That is not because he is a bad player, or someone who does not give his all.
Unfortunately, he is a young player who has been going through a tough patch of form. And the frustration is almost directed at Marsch for not taking him out of the firing line sooner.
So he deserves huge credit for making the bench. But perhaps Marsch would have been better leaving him out altogether.
If he was not fit enough to come on when Leeds were 1-0 down in a massive game, it is hard to imagine that there were any circumstances in which he would have got on.
So picking him made little sense – even if Marsch did not have too many other options.