Leeds United have had a tremendous start to their Championship season. The Whites currently find themselves fourth in the table, just four points behind league leaders Sunderland.
The West Yorkshire outfit have gone through a plethora of changes throughout the summer window with many players both joining and exiting the club.
There have also been several players who have returned from loan spells and have chosen to stay at Elland Road for the 2024/25 season.
One of those players being, Brenden Aaronson [Yorkshire Evening Post, 8 July]. The US International was brought to Leeds by Jesse Marsch before their relegation from the top flight.
Although Daniel Farke has started the attacking midfielder numerous times this season, it could be time for the German to take a punt and axe him from his starting XI.
Brenden Aaronson needs to be axed from Leeds United starting XI
Since it was reported that Aaronson would be staying with Leeds for the 2024/25 season rather than being loaned out again, his inclusion in the squad has piqued the interest of some fans.
While his start to the campaign hasn’t necessarily been bad in terms of form, it feels like the Whites could get a lot more from someone else becoming the playmaker.
For instance, during Leeds’ clash against Hull City on 31 August, the entirety of the Whites’ attack had stellar games while Aaronson’s was just decent.
As per Sofascore, the midfielder played the full 90 minutes of the game and only amassed an xG of 0.12, his xA was no better either with his total only reaching 0.05.
The best element of his game on 31 August was his passing. Of the 36 passes that he attempted, 89 per cent of them were on target with just four going wayward.
In terms of crossing, however, this is where his statistics start to slip with only 25 per cent successful crosses (1).
The US International’s shooting wasn’t up to much either. He only managed to register a single shot on target despite being deployed in the number 10 role.
The 22-year-old’s dribbling also wasn’t up to the standards that are likely expected of a player with his potential.
Of the six dribbles attempted, only a third (33 per cent) of them ended up with the attacker after he took his man on and, to make matters worse, he even lost possession of the ball a total of 17 times.
Manor Solomon could be the ideal replacement for Brenden Aaronson
The summer transfer window brought a new-look Leeds side into the 2024/25 season.
Farke lost players such as Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter to Premier League clubs after failing to gain promotion to the top flight.
Although replacing two players of this calibre was no doubt difficult for Farke, it feels as if he’s managed to do it quite smoothly.
Manor Solomon is arguably the pick of the bunch and after managing to register an assist on his debut, Leeds fans could start to get excited about what their future holds.
Leeds are well stocked on the flanks now with Dan James, Largie Ramizani and Wilfried Gnonto also on the books.
The good thing is, Farke has fluidity with his attackers now, and Solomon for instance could move into a number 10 role. The Israel international has played in his career and has even managed to contribute to six goals whilst being used centrally.
Only time will tell what Farke will choose to do but, if he wants to increase his promotion hopes then replacing Aaronson could be the way to do it.
