Leeds United produced an excellent second-half display to beat Schalke on Saturday afternoon in their third pre-season friendly, and Bryn Law has shared what he noticed about Brenden Aaronson.
The 23-year-old American star is back at Elland Road after spending last term on loan at Union Berlin, as one of the eight players that jumped ship using Victor Orta’s loan clause following the club’s relegation.
There is pressure on Aaronson, following his difficult first season at Leeds in which he managed just one goal in 40 games. That came after a £25m fee, with fans questioning why he was so expensive to sign.
Then, the decision to jump ship. But he has committed his future to Leeds and fans are now coming round to his return, after immediate backlash to Aaronson returning to at Elland Road earlier this summer.
Aaronson’s lack of physicality a source of frustration for fans
Leeds secured a 2-0 win on Saturday thanks to goals from Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe in the second half, with Schalke proving much sturdier opponents than Hannover 96 – but another win for Daniel Farke.
Aaronson started again for Leeds on the left wing, alongside Georginio Rutter and Willy Gnonto behind Mateo Joseph. The American showed some nice touches, got into some good positions in the final third.
He had one big chance but failed to get the ball into the net. Commentating on the game for LUTV, Law noticed his improvement in physicality as the no.11 shielded the ball off two players on 17 minutes.
“Aaronson does well, holds off a couple of challenges. That’s a good sign as well from Brenden Aaronson, that physicality seems to be there,” Law said, as Aaronson impresses after an assist against Hannover.
What Tony Dorigo said he has heard about Leeds star Aaronson
Speaking as co-commentator in the first pre-season friendly in Germany, a 4-1 win over Hannover, former Leeds man Dorigo said he had heard that Aaronson has put on a few pounds in muscle while on loan.
It is a key area for former Salzburg man Aaronson to get right, not only because it was an issue before but because the need for it is greater in The Championship than it is in the more technical Premier League.
The Championship is physical and Leeds, and indeed Aaronson, will come up against sides that are not as good. It means they will look to stop, to disrupt and Aaronson has got to cope with that, physically.
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