Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United redemption arc took another step in the right direction in the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Aaronson was handed his first league start since making the decision to return to Elland Road and made a huge difference to Leeds in the middle of the park.
Though clearly he still has some issues with using his body, Aaronson offered Leeds far more effort and purpose in that number 10 position than Joel Piroe did at West Bromwich Albion.
The 23-year-old was also able to net his second goal of the season to set Leeds on their way at Hillsborough, finishing off a lovely free-flowing move with a nice finish on his weaker foot.
His interchange with Wilfried Gnonto throughout the match caused Wednesday all sorts of problems and this is yet another performance he can build on.
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What Leeds players pushed Aaronson to do at full-time
Aaronson has certainly made a brave call in returning to Leeds this season having been one of the eight players to leave on loan after relegation.
However, there can be no doubt of Aaronson’s commitment since returning, particularly after receiving such a frosty reception on his first appearance back against Valencia.
Slowly but surely, Aaronson seems to be winning the crowd back with his performances and he was right involved with the away end when Dan James netted Leeds’ second.
Clearly the rest of his Leeds teammates know what a difficult situation Aaronson has brought himself back into, and according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, they made a conscious effort to help him rebuild that bond in the full-time celebrations.
Smyth wrote on Twitter that all of the Leeds players pushed Aaronson over towards the away end to do the customary wave and applaud of the away end Daniel Farke does after a win.
That will have undoubtedly felt brilliant for Aaronson and hopefully he can continue to build on that in next weekend’s game against Hull City.
Aaronson will play a huge part this season
Following such a disappointing season in the Premier League, there were always doubts over whether Aaronson could handle the physicality of the Championship.
He insisted over the summer he packed on six lbs of muscle during his time on loan at Union Berlin, and so clearly he knows it is a weakness of his.
There are still going to be times where Aaronson is brushed off the ball by defenders, but at this level, his skill will be vital.
Aaronson’s close control dribbling is one of the best parts of his game and on many occasions, that will be too much for players at this level to handle.
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