Every player has a weakness and an area of their game that requires improvement, and with one Leeds United player, that has been evident since joining the club in 2022.
Despite selling Georginio Rutter and Crysencia Summerville, Leeds have a wealth of talent in their attacking options this season. But even at the championship level, there are still weaknesses among some stars.
Wilfried Gnonto currently tops the league table with five offsides. Only three others have raised the linesman’s flag as many times, while Dan James says Mateo Joseph has to be up front.
Brenden Aaronson has been under constant criticism since arriving at Elland Road as Jesse Marsch’s first £25m signing. An obvious lack of physicality which causes him to lose the ball too regularly.
Same old for Brenden Aaronson as USA draw with New Zealand
The 23-year-old has started well since returning to Leeds. The player remains Leeds’ top scorer with two goals this season, opening day wins against Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday.
But they pull the ball too easily for him, that’s still a problem. On the night, Aaronson started for the USA against New Zealand in Cincinnati and lasted 66 minutes before being replaced by Malik Tillman.
Fotmob stats show that Aaronson’s physicality is still an issue. He was sent off five times, more than any other player, despite playing just 66 minutes. He lost seven of his 12 matches, the second-worst player.
Aaronson claims he’s gained muscle, but it’s not working
Before the start of the season, amid furor over his return to Elland Road, Aaronson claimed he had put on muscle while on loan in Germany at Bundesliga side Union.
But Aaronson is in the Championship, a league that is unforgiving when it comes to physicality, and while the technical ability, creativity and eye for goal are there, his ability to shake off a man is questionable.
His stats for the US are hardly any better, judging by the latest figures. If Aaronson wants to have a successful season and win back the hearts of the Leeds fans, then he really needs to work on his physicality.