Leeds United turn their attention to FA Cup action later today as they face Birmingham City in the fourth round at St. Andrew’s. Despite the cup distraction, their overriding objective remains Premier League survival.
The Whites staged an impressive comeback at Stamford Bridge last week, recovering from two goals down to claim a point against Chelsea. That result leaves them 15th in the table, six points above the relegation zone.
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Leeds have developed a reputation for resilience and proved in west London that they are capable of grinding out results on the road.
Their form in the Premier League this season has been down to several players stepping up, and Paul Merson has picked out one of them for real praise.
Paul Merson picks out Leeds star Brenden Aaronson for praise
Brenden Aaronson has emerged as one of the most important players in the Leeds squad this season, and has versatile nature has allowed Daniel Farke to have more tactical flexibility.
Merson is a fan of the United States international and believes his confidence suffered when he was not picked to start against Arsenal at Elland Road.
However, the former Gunner insisted that teams need players such as Aaronson, as they have the X-factor that could change games
Merson said on Sky Sports: “I like him. He’s lively.
“My thing with him is he didn’t play well against Arsenal. And that sort of knocked his confidence a little bit. But yeah, I like him.
“I think you need that kind of player in your team. You need a little bit of X-Factor, a little bit of energy, and he’s done very well. I’m a big fan of his.”
Aaronson has proved Leeds fans wrong
Brenden Aaronson has come a long way, even from the start of the season, when fans were keen to see him out of the starting eleven.
The American has been trying to win back the fans since he returned to Leeds from his loan spell in Germany in 2024, and it has been an uphill task.
Brenden Aaronson Season Stats – Attacking & Passing Breakdown (2025/26)
A detailed statistical overview of Brenden Aaronson’s attacking output and passing contribution this season,
including goals, expected metrics, chance creation and distribution accuracy.
Attacking
Goals
Expected Goals (xG)
Scoring Frequency
Goals Per Game
Total Shots
Shots on Target Per Game
Big Chances Missed
Goal Conversion
Penalty Goals
Penalty Conversion
Free Kick Goals
Passing
Assists
Expected Assists (xA)
Touches
Big Chances Created
Key Passes
Accurate Passes
Accurate Own Half
Accurate Opposition Half
Long Balls (Accurate)
Accurate Chip Passes
Accurate Crosses
Leeds supporters have complained about his lack of physicality in the final third. However, Daniel Farke never lost faith in the attacking midfielder.
Aaronson is finally getting his flowers this season, as his versatility has given Farke more flexibility in his team selection in the Premier League.
The American is now one of the first names on the team sheet, and fans are no longer complaining about him being the manager’s pet.