Former USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel has explained how Leeds United can get the best out of his compatriot Brenden Aaronson.
Friedel is among the Americans to have cracked the Premier League, having starred for Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur after arriving in England with Liverpool.
He has found consistency difficult to master and although fans have arguably seen him at his best during spells this term, the 25-year-old’s form has dipped of late.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is an admirer of attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson.placeholder image
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is an admirer of attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Brad Friedel on Brenden Aaronson
Friedel told The Yorkshire Post: “[He needs to] keep working hard, giving his all on the pitch, being the best professional as possible.
“But for Brenden it can depend on who Leeds are playing and the type of game the manager wants to play.
“He has flipped between a number of positions this season but for me, if you are going to be a high-pressing team and win the ball high, I would like him in the middle.
“If you’re defending against a lower block, I like him wider so he can get the ball and see the game better, and if you’re the team who is sitting back in low block, then I want him centrally. Give him the ball so he can release the wingers and he will also look to get in the box as well. I believe all options are available to him.”
Brad Friedel was part of the Tottenham Hotspur side who visited Leeds United for an FA Cup clash in January 2013.placeholder image
Brad Friedel was part of the Tottenham Hotspur side who visited Leeds United for an FA Cup clash in January 2013. | Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Brenden Aaronson’s season so far
Farke is a fan of Aaronson and has robustly defended him against criticism when it has come his way.
Leeds’ manager has spoken enthusiastically about the playmaker’s work ethic and the ground he can cover even when he is not firing on all cylinders.
In December, Farke said: "He embodies so much what we want to be, which values we want to stand for as Leeds United.
“Sometimes we don't do it the easy way and he can sometimes have a bit more clarity in his situations but we have a great heart and a great work ethic. We never give up.
Brenden Aaronson has made 33 appearances for Leeds United this season.placeholder image
Brenden Aaronson has made 33 appearances for Leeds United this season. | Richard Sellers/PA Wire
“He embodies this hard and honest work so much and fully deserves praise after the last performances. I've defended him several times when the pressure was on him, I don't need to praise him a bit more. I'm like a shield when the outside world is criticising him.”
Aaronson has made 33 appearances across all competitions this season, registering four goals and three assists.