Brenden Aaronson continues to be a bit of an enigma among the Leeds United fanbase. Some are fully defensive over the United States star, delighted with the playmaker’s work rate.
But there is also a school of thought where the 24-year-old constantly earns criticism for his inability to keep the ball. On Wednesday night, he lost the ball more so than normal, often tackled by Luton players.
Aaronson of course, is under the recent cloud of going out on loan. He has had to win back the love of Leeds fans and Aaronson recently shared to US media that he has a great relationship with Leeds fans.
But his performances are up and down and the jury is still out on whether he is the long-term answer to such a critical position in this Leeds side, as Daniel Farke’s no.10. Neil Redfearn has given his verdict.
Neil Redfearn’s honest verdict of Leeds star Brenden Aaronson
The 24-year-old remains the most-dispossessed player in the Championship. Aaronson has lost the ball a huge 89 times, being dispossessed 56 times and losing possession due to a poor touch a further 33 times.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the full-time whistle on Wednesday night, former Leeds boss Redfearn gave his verdict on Aaronson and says as long as he keeps working hard, he will get support from fans.
“Every player wants to feel loved, they want to feel fans behind them. There are going to be times when you aren’t playing well, but that’s life as a player. You’ve got to accept that,” Redfearn said on Aaronson.
“If you give absolutely everything at Leeds, and it’s not quite there, they’ll forgive you. If you can’t give anymore, they’ll forgive you. This club has high standards, but if you stop trying then they’ll let you know.
Brenden Aaronson’s stats from Leeds United’s win over Luton
Farke reminded Leeds fans that Aaronson remains crucial after the full-time whistle. Perhaps, realising that Aaronson had not had the best of performances, and chose to heap praise on the USA international.
Aaronson’s stats for Leeds against Luton:
- 84 touches, 0.44 XG+XA – no goals or assists
- 60 touches, 35 successful passes, 41 attempted passes
- Two chances created, four passes into penalty area
- Three duels won, eight lost
There will be much-better performances from Aaronson and there have been already. It must also be remembered that he has had a hand in five goals this season, but there will also be displays like this.
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