Brenden Aaronson has gone from being publicly criticised and defended by his own manager to a Player of the Season contender, according to Stuart Dallas.
Earlier in the season, Aaronson was described as “not good enough in the Championship” despite arriving as Leeds’ £25m signing. Jon Newsome said Leeds should have sold him, as well as Joel Piroe.
Daniel Farke was also required to defend him after a costly miss, insisting he “cannot blame him” and framing the moment as over-eagerness rather than a lack of quality.
Is Brenden Aaronson our best player at the moment? 🔥
Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson
Credit: Molly Darlington/Getty Images
But now, Stuart Dallas has told Leeds United’s official podcast with Aaronson sitting beside him that the American is a “contender for Player of the Season”.
It reflects a level of consistency that has been built across the campaign. That assessment is rooted in sustained performance, with Aaronson now influencing games rather than isolated moments.
Numbers now match the influence on the pitch
The difference now is that Aaronson’s output backs up his growing importance, with the American recording four goals and three assists this season.
Brenden Aaronson in action for Leeds United
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
He has also featured regularly across the campaign, underlining how he has moved from a questionable option to a trusted presence in the side. Farke has placed his trust in Aaronson in the midst of criticism.
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Now it is paying off. Six months ago, no Leeds fan would have had Aaronson in the starting line-up. But Farke saw something beyond the criticism and in recent weeks, it has really paid off.
Why Aaronson is now one of Leeds’ most trusted players
This shift has been driven by performance rather than perception, with Aaronson now delivering consistently enough to justify his place in the team.
PROVE ME WRONG – Brenden Aaronson is Leeds’ most underrated player 🦅
Aaronson was impressive again against Sunderland
Leeds United player Brenden Aaronson
Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images
Dallas’ verdict reflects that reality, confirming that his influence now matches the expectations placed on him and the responsibility he carries in attacking areas.
Aaronson’s season stands as a clear example of how quickly narratives change when performances follow, with criticism replaced by tangible impact and growing importance within the squad.
He is no longer a player being defended or debated, but one whose contribution is now central to Leeds’ progress across the campaign.
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