There have already been a few surprises along the way, just six games into Leeds United’s return to the Premier League, and one of those has been the impressive form of Brenden Aaronson.
It is surprising just how well Leeds have fared in their opening six games. After a transfer window that has been deemed as largely mediocre by Leeds supporters, Leeds sit in 11th place after six League matches.
Two wins, two draws, two defeats. A really solid start, surprising given the form of the six previous sides promotion to the Premier League. Really, it should be three wins, two draws and only one loss for Leeds.
But injury-time goals from Fulham and Bournemouth have limited Leeds to eight points instead of 11. Karl Darlow’s form, Pascal Struijk starting over Jaka Bijol, Dominic Calvert-Lewin staying fit – all surprising.
Brenden Aaronson third-best in the Premier League for one stat
But probably, the biggest surprise is Brenden Aaronson. Initially, that Aaronson has come into the side and started the last three games as a right-winger, with Dan James and Willy Gnonto picking up injuries.
Not just that Aaronson has started games, but that actually, his form has been very impressive. Many are of the opinion that Aaronson enjoyed his best game in a Leeds shirt during the draw vs Bournemouth.
Aaronson got a standing ovation from fans, another surprise given the criticism Aaronson gets. What is even more eye-catching is that Aaronson is joint-third for most crosses blocked in the Premier League.
Most blocks in Premier League so far:
| Name | Club | Games | Minutes | Crosses blocked | Crosses blocked per minute |
| Pedro Porro | Tottenham | 6 | 457 | 6 | 76.2 |
| Daniel Munoz | Palace | 6 | 540 | 6 | 90.0 |
| Brenden Aaronson | Leeds | 6 | 332 | 4 | 83.0 |
| Reinildo Mandava | Sunderland | 5 | 393 | 4 | 98.3 |
| Tyrick Mitchell | Palace | 6 | 524 | 4 | 131.0 |
| Matty Cash | Villa | 6 | 540 | 4 | 135.0 |
Which Leeds player has been best so far, according to stats
It shows why Aaronson is in the side. Farke has explained that with Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack, he wanted a hard-worker in the front line and Aaronson is in that. It helps Jayden Bogle.
Aaronson’s work rate is unmatched. Constant energy, constant stamina. It’s what Leeds need at the moment and actually, being in the Premier League focuses on his strengths more than the Championship.
Leeds’ highest-rated players according to the stats:
| Name | Games (Starts) | FotMob rating |
| Anton Stach | 6 (6) | 7.27 |
| Sean Longstaff | 6 (4) | 7.19 |
| Karl Darlow | 3 (3) | 7.18 |
| Ethan Ampadu | 4 (4) | 7.09 |
| Joe Rodon | 6 (6) | 6.94 |
| Noah Okafor | 4 (3) | 6.77 |
| Brenden Aaronson | 6 (3) | 6.70 |
| Pascal Struijk | 6 (6) | 6.69 |
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | 4 (3) | 6.69 |
| Jayden Bogle | 6 (6) | 6.68 |
According to FotMob, Aaronson is Leeds’ seventh-best player this season, in front of Pascal Struijk and Calvert-Lewin and while stats might not tell the whole story, it does explain why Aaronson is starting.
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