Daniel Farke’s Leeds United suffered only a second defeat in the Championship on Wednesday night, as the Whites were beaten by Millwall at The Den.
Leeds had chances to score and indeed, take the lead before Millwall scored their goal through Japhet Tanganga. Brenden Aaronson was guilty of a missed chance as was Wilfried Gnonto in the first half.
Joel Piroe saw a goal disallowed, but Gary Rowett believes it was the right decision. Aaronson was far from his best at Millwall, maybe the physicality of Leeds’ opponents proved too much for the USA star.
Indeed, only two players lost 10 or more duels and one of them was Aaronson along with Leeds lefty Pascal Struijk. Aaronson was the subject of a question put to Farke on Thursday afternoon in his presser.
Daniel Farke says two areas where Brenden Aaronson can improve
The USA star will be in action for Mauricio Pochettino’s USA after Saturday’s clash against QPR and that means he won’t be on the training pitch during the break, preventing Farke from working with him.
But Aaronson is impressing. Aaronson spoke of the support he feels from Leeds fans despite his return to Leeds after a loan at Union Berlin – and now, Farke has responded when asked about him on Thursday.
“He was the hardest-working player on the pitch. He won the ball back so much. If I am to criticise him, he had a great chance. I want him to be convinced and tidy in the finishing, something he can improve.
“Also, he runs too much – I told him at half-time. In the decisive moments he’s not in and around the striker. Good intentions, out of position. This is just him getting a feel for his position. I love his energy.
“But sometimes he has to channel it. If he calms his game down, I think he will there in more interesting moments. He is an outstanding player, but if he changes this, he can be a player right at the top level.”
Brenden Aaronson needs some competition for his Leeds spot
The issue Farke will have with Aaronson, is that he does not have a replacement for the American. Even if Aaronson struggles in a game, like he did at Millwall, he will know that if he is fit, he is in the starting XI.
That cannot go on. He needs to be kept on his toes and when January arrives, Farke has got to look at a new no.10. Perhaps, not one that starts over Aaronson but one good enough to threaten his starting spot.
But he is the Championship’s most-dispossessed player. He has 29 unsuccessful touches, 44 times losing the ball in a tackle or a lack of strength and that has to change if Aaronson want to keep his starting spot.
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