It might not seem it, but a priority for Leeds United will be improving their options in the no.10 role if Daniel Farke intends on sticking with the 4-2-3-1 system that got Leeds promoted.
Brenden Aaronson started 44 of 46 Championship games last season and the American was once again underwhelming despite moments of brilliance, like his winner away from home at Derby County.
A total of 11 goals and assists was far below Aaronson’s target of 30 involvements for the season, with the player yet to return to pre-season training at Leeds after representing the USMNT at The Gold Cup.
Aaronson’s future is under the microscope with Leeds expected to bring in better options. Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News he expects it will either be Gustavo Hamer or Farke’s old flame, Emi Buendia.
Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson during a game against Bristol City.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
South American now available after rejecting Leeds in January
Buendia rejected Leeds in January to join Leverkusen, but he was not the only South American no.10 to turn down a move to Elland Road in the winter window. Brighton’s Julio Enciso also rejected Leeds.
Enciso instead, moved on loan to Ipswich Town alongside Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke and Leif Davis. But with Ipswich failing to survive, Paraguay star Enciso has returned to Brighton with his path blocked.
Georginio Rutter and others sit ahead of Enciso in the pecking order and The Athletic say Enciso is a candidate to leave. The 21-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with Fabian Hurtzeler’s side.
Julio Enciso in action for Brighton against Man United.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
He might not fit Adam Underwood’s criteria, but Enciso is perfect
Last summer, Leeds identified technically gifted players would provide the difference to get Leeds into the Premier League. In came Largie Ramazani, Manor Solomon, Ao Tanaka, Jayden Bogle and others.
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This summer, Adam Underwood wants big, physical players to provide the guile and the fight needed in a scrap against relegation. But to tie all those bits together, a bit of creativity and flair is crucial.
Julio Enciso in action for Paraguay against Argentina.
Photo by Diana Carrillo/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chucking a player like Enciso, who has 13 goals and assists in 57 Premier League appearances, into the 10 role would be the perfect bow. The one that knits the physicality, strength, the aerial prowess together.
Enciso rejected Leeds in January purely because they weren’t in the Premier League. Now, a starting spot in a Premier League side like Leeds will tempt Enciso given he joined Ipswich in the January window.