Every player has a weakness and an area of their game that requires improvement and in one Leeds United player, it has been obvious ever since he joined the club back in 2022.
Leeds have huge talent in their attacking options this season despite the sales of Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville. But even at Championship level, there are still weaknesses among some stars.
Wilfried Gnonto currently sits top of the Championship charts with five offsides. Only three others have raised the linesman’s flag as many times, while Dan James says Mateo Joseph needs to stay up front.
For Brenden Aaronson, it has been a constant criticism of his since he arrived at Elland Road as Jesse Marsch’s first signing for £25m. An obvious lack of physicality that sees him lose the ball too regularly.
Same old for Brenden Aaronson as USA draw with New Zealand
The 23-year-old has made a solid start since returning to Leeds. The playmaker remains Leeds’ top scorer with two goals this season, netting on the opening day against Portsmouth and at Sheffield Wednesday.
But he does get shrugged off the ball too easily, it remains an issue. Overnight, Aaronson started for USA against New Zealand in Cincinnati and he lasted 66 minutes before being replaced by Malik Tillman.
Fotmob’s stats show physicality is still an issue for Aaronson. He was dispossessed five times, more than any other player despite only playing 66 minutes. Of his 12 duels, he lost seven, the second-worst player.
Aaronson claims he’s put on weight in muscle but it’s not working
Prior to the beginning of the season, Aaronson claimed that in the midst of the furore over his return to Elland Road that he had put on weight in muscle while on loan in Germany at Bundesliga side Union.
But Aaronson finds himself in the Championship, a league unforgiving when it comes to physicality and while the technical ability, creativity and eye for goals is there, his ability to shake off man is doubtful.
His stats for USA are hardly any better judging by the latest showing. If Aaronson is to have a successful season and win back the hearts of Leeds fans, then he is going to have to really work on his physicality.
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