Brenden Aaronson netted his fourth goal of the season for Leeds United on Saturday afternoon as Daniel Farke’s side eased past Plymouth to record a seventh Championship win of the season.
After 13 games, Leeds are looking good in second place in the Championship table after previous wins over Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City, Cardiff City, Sheffield United, Watford, Coventry and now Plymouth.
Daniel Farke’s side have amassed 26 points, taking them to within three of early pace-setters Sunderland. Regis Le Bris’ men failed to beat QPR on Saturday and it has seen Leeds close the gap by two points.
Brenden Aaronson has played a key role in Leeds’ form of late. Scoring on the opening day, the USA star has two goals in his last three games and will almost certainly be in the starting line-up at Millwall.
Stuart Dallas shares thoughts on Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds return
Indeed, manager Farke said Aaronson is the club’s only natural no.10. Farke even said Aaronson is capable of passes Zinedine Zidane used to provide, despite the USA star only laying on one assist so far this term.
But he does have four goals and is the club’s second-highest scorer behind Joel Piroe. Speaking on LUTV’s Matchday Live programme, Dallas shared his thoughts about Aaronson returning to Elland Road.
Aaronson of course, returned to Leeds earlier this year after jumping ship in the summer of 2023 to go on loan to Bundesliga side Union Berlin. Dallas heaped praise on Aaronson after winning fans back over.
“Brenden is one of the best players in the squad at receiving the ball on the half turn. So good at getting out of tricky positions. I’m delighted he’s come back in and as the season goes on he’ll produce more.”
Brenden Aaronson stats in Leeds win vs Plymouth on Saturday
Simon Grayson still has question marks over Aaronson’s end product, but those doubts are being quickly put to bed as the playmaker’s confidence grows. On Saturday, Aaronson’s left-footed finish was assured.
Brenden Aaronson’s stats against Plymouth:
- XG and XA (Expected goals and assists): 0.68, second-highest
- 26 successful passes, 27 attempted, five into the final third
- Three defensive actions, four recoveries
- Three duels won, eight lost (joint second-highest with Junior Firpo)
While there is still an issue with Aaronson being dispossessed and losing the ball, his lack of physicality remains a problem, the USA star’s vision and eye for goal is quickly making him an important Leeds cog.
The USA star will be hoping to take his tally to five goals for the season on Wednesday at Millwall before QPR next weekend, and then USA fixtures during the break against Steve McClaren’s Jamaica twice.
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