Brenden Aaronson is on a poor run in front of goal (Credit: Imago)
Leeds United have just eight games remaining to ensure they pick up enough additional points to secure their Premier League status for next season.
Up next for Leeds is a pivotal clash with Brentford under the lights at Elland Road, which Graham Smyth believes is a must-win game.
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However, with key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form tapering off recently, Daniel Farke will be aware he must ensure they return to their best for the remainder of the run-in.
However, another notable member of United’s starting XI has also seen his form taper off in recent months, which is a concerning development for Leeds fans.
Brenden Aaronson has been struggling to contribute as of late
Aaronson, 25, plays a unique role in Farke’s system, often being asked to sit in the midfield when Leeds don’t have the ball, before being a right winger when the Whites are in possession.
He has also played as a second striker of sorts off of Calvert-Lewin at times this season. Given the running and positional intelligence these roles require, it is evident that only Aaronson is trusted by Farke to play them.
Whilst his work rate has been an invaluable commodity for Leeds this season, his end product has completley dried up as of late.
Aaronson has gone nine Premier League games without scoring or assisting
His last attacking contribution was the brace he scored in the 4-3 defeat against Newcastle back in January
Aaronson’s last assist came all the way back in December in the game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (Sofascore)
Whilst playing Aaronson effectively offers more defensive stability, as the relegation race tightens, Farke may feel he has to roll the dice and be more adventurous in his lineup selections.
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Willy Gnonto could get more gametime during the run-in
If Farke feels the need to become more ambitious and chase three points in a game rather than taking a draw, Gnonto could find himself in the starting XI more regularly if Aaronson does not begin to turn his attacking form around.
The home games that Leeds have coming up are season-defining, and whilst draws have been pivotal in putting Leeds in a solid position with eight games left to play, a couple of wins at Elland Road will seal the deal and keep Leeds up.
For this reason, Gnonto could be the perfect candidate to provide the attacking spark United have lacked at times, with the Italian having arguably the best crossing ability in the squad, as well as the ability to play a well-weighted final ball.
Aaronson will likely still have his part to play away from home, but when the expectation is on Leeds to chase games at Elland Road, it would be wise of Farke to deploy Gnonto on that right wing instead.
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