Despite Aaronson's defensive work rate, his attacking effectiveness has been in question (Credits: Imago Images)
When Daniel Farke named Brenden Aaronson in the Leeds United lineup against Fulham, a lot of eyebrows were raised. The team was in a scoring drought and had not scored from open play since the first game of the season.
So many wondered what contribution the American would bring if he featured in the game. Leeds had some new faces in the lineup, with a new look front three in Noah Okafor, Brenden Aaronson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Whites did lose in the last minute of the game, and failed to score. But in the next game, Farke persisted with the same lineup, and Leeds won 3-1 with both Okafor and Calvert-Lewin scoring.
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When the German was asked about why Aaronson was brought into the lineup; he said that the role was more of a defensive one for the midfielder:
”Fulham had an aggressive left side and I wanted a player to support our right-back.
”Credit to Brenden, Sessegnon was not effective and Iwobi was substituted.
”We know he has challenges with decision-making, being a bit clearer.
”As long as a player works hard and does his tactical job I’m happy, but he also has to improve his offensive outcome.”
So Farke knows what the American brings off the ball, and is happy with his performance in the role. This is why he has overlooked the player’s lack of goal contributions.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing player from these 10 famous Leeds United photos?
Brenden Aaronson ranks highly in key Leeds United statistics
On the eye, the American might not look like the best player at the club, but he quietly plays and important role all over the pitch. He ranks in the 98th percentile, among the top players in the league, for key passes. Aaronson has only started five games but is fourth for Leeds when it comes to chances created with seven so far in the league.
Brenden Aaronson radar Credit: DataMB
and that is not all. The midfielder has no assists this season, but according to expected Assists (xA) he should have had one already – with 0.9xA.
Defensively, Brenden Aaronson is the glue for Leeds United – his off the ball work is his greatest weapon. This season, he is the only attacker in the squad with the most tackles, most blocks and most interceptions.
Brenden Aaronson Credit: FBref
Based on that, there is no reason he should be on the bench; Leeds are a poor defensive team and Aaronson is one of the only players further up the pitch making the best effort on that end.
Midfielder tops other statistics in the team too
Outside these statistics mentioned above, Aaronson leads the club’s attackers in several categories:
Progressive passes – 15
Passes into the penalty area – 6
Ball recoveries – 21
So in summary, Brenden Aaronson tops key metrics in attack and defence. The fact that he has missed a chance over the weekend does not mean he is a bad player. Daniel Farke called upon him and he showed he can deliver. Against West Ham, it is likely that Crysencio Summerville will start on the left as well as fullback El Hadji Malick Diouf who has three assists this season. If he does play like he did against Fulham, then Leeds do not have to be worried about the threat down that flank.
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