There have been a few surprises already this season since Leeds United’s pursuit of Premier League safety began, most notably the club’s form under Daniel Farke after six games.
Farke has had to contend with injuries and even Jaka Bijol’s suspension and yet, Leeds sit in a comfortable 11th place with eight points from six games. Dominic Calvert-Lewin stayed fit, Karl Darlow is impressing.
Pascal Struijk is retaining his starting spot, Ao Tanaka is warming the bench, and Leeds have conceded just four goals aside from the Arsenal game. They are all surprises, but none more so than Brenden Aaronson.
No one saw Aaronson having much of an impact this season, after a difficult 2024-25 campaign. While he started 44 of 46 Championship games, Aaronson only laid on two assists despite playing as the no.10.
Aaronson will feel he made the right decision to stay at Leeds
Aaronson will have been tempted to leave. A year which ends with a World Cup in his home nation, Daniel Farke switching system to one without a no.10, or simply the criticism he receives from fans.
Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that Aaronson was considering his options in the summer and had interest from Germany. Leeds fans may have been inclined to go along with Aaronson leaving Leeds.
Since, Aaronson has started the last three games. Farke has made it clear that he has started Aaronson because he wanted a hard-working element in the front three alongside Noah Okafor and Calvert-Lewin.
Aaronson even got a standing ovation after coming off against Bournemouth. Not only is Aaronson getting game time, but he is making an impact in the Premier League ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Dan James’ injury is a blow, but it aids Aaronson’s game time
Even if Aaronson is starting games, the American may have been worried that he was simply filling a hole until James was fit again. But with James now set to miss the next few weeks, Aaronson will continue.
Aaronson, who is joint-third in the Premier League for blocked crosses, has been on the fringes of the USA squad under Mauricio Pochettino. He will have needed game time to get into Pochettino’s squad.
But the combination of his three consecutive starts, his decent form and now, James’ injury, Aaronson will be relieved he chose to stay over a return to Germany, as he shows gaffer Pochettino what he can do.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
