Leeds United’s side picks itself at the moment despite Wednesday night’s defeat at Millwall, largely because of the form of Daniel Farke’s side but also a lack of cover in some roles.
The same back five have started 12 of the 14 Championship games, Sam Byram covering Junior Firpo and Jayden Bogle in the other two games due to suspension. Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have to start.
The duo are the only two viable midfielders that can currently start from the off, with Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev injured. Josuha Guilavogui is an option but he knows himself he is only at Leeds as cover.
Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James are first choice on the wings with Largie Ramazani injured and Manor Solomon not yet up to speed. Brenden Aaronson is the only no.10, and Joel Piroe is Leeds’ top scorer.
Jon Newsome says Brenden Aaronson not playing to his £25m fee
In the summer of 2022, Leeds spent a whopping £25m to sign Aaronson from Salzburg. A move that saw Jesse Marsch reunite with Aaronson, the American becoming Marsch’s first signing of his Leeds era.
Aaronson has struggled. Just one goal in his first season, before going out on loan to Union Berlin and then controversially returning. This season, he has been up and down but Jon Newsome is not impressed.
On BBC Radio Leeds, Newsome said: “This isn’t a pile-on on Aaronson. I expect more from a £25m player. Just about keeping his head above water in the Championship, the levels should be higher than that.”
Aaronson is enjoying best season since joining Leeds in numbers
Despite his up-and-down performances, Aaronson earned “outstanding” praise from Daniel Farke on Thursday. But there are parts of his game that still require improvement, including Aaronson’s physicality.
Indeed, Aaronson has lost the ball more than any other Championship player. He has been dispossessed on 44 occasions, and unsuccessful touches a further 29 times. He is expected to lose it, but that much?
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists | Goals and assists every… |
| 2022-23 (Leeds, Premier League) |
40 | 1 | 3 | 635 minutes |
| 2023-24 (Union Berlin, Bundesliga) |
38 | 2 | 2 | 289 minutes |
| 2024-25 (Leeds, Championship) |
15 | 4 | 1 | 224 minutes |
However, Aaronson is enjoying his best season in terms of numbers already since his move to Leeds – and that includes his goals and assists at Union Berlin. He needs love and confidence, but he can shine.
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