Leeds United's reliance on Brenden Aaronson in the number 10 role is a risk Daniel Farke is willing to take despite not having a natural back-up. While Aaronson's form and fitness have been impressive, the lack of alternatives exposes Leeds to weakness should Aaronson be unavailable.
There has been one obvious hole in Leeds United’s squad since the summer deadline day, and Daniel Farke has himself admitted that he has been mindful of it. Perhaps he wouldn't call it a 'hole' but the manager has confessed that he does not have a natural back-up to Brenden Aaronson at number 10. Farke has been open to a new addition in the role, albeit has always underlined that he is pleased with how Aaronson is doing.
The American has started the last 28 league matches in a busy area of the pitch. His playing style of constant running and pressing increases his energy output, and there is a real risk of fatigue. United faced the grim reality of having Aaronson absent when he hobbled off late on against Sheffield Wednesday. He was fine to play days later against Norwich, but it highlighted the risk Farke is taking, should United not reinforce the number 10 position by deadline hour. The boss says he is content with the fill-in options he has at his disposal. Manor Solomon played in the role against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup while Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe, as a false nine, have been named as options by Farke. None are ideal fall-backs. Leeds would see their attacking strength diminish should Aaronson be unavailable for any reason whether that is injury or suspension. It’s a bit all-eggs-in-one-basket. Aaronson played fruitfully against Cardiff City, scoring the first goal in the 7-0 rout. He would have expected to find the net after Daniel James had left the goalkeeper out at sea, but he was in the right place at the right time. The strike broke his barren streak of failing to provide a goal contribution in five matches, but it still means he has one in six. Speaking to reporters after full-time, Aaronson pledged to add more goals and assists to his game. Of course, in order to do that, he must stay on the pitch. So far, he has done that, and he added: “I feel like I have a good fitness level. Then it’s about holding myself when I get home, like icing.” Aaronson noted he was a regular in the line-ups at former club RB Salzburg and at Union Berlin, where he spent last season on loan - although in both cases, he did not start 28 consecutive league matches. The 24-year-old began 19 straight Premier League games in the 2022/23 campaign, having been in the starting XI for all 27 Philadelphia Union matches in the 2019/20 season. So Aaronson is accustomed to longevity, although his limits are being pushed to new lengths this term. Leeds have little choice right now. The lack of alternatives means he is guaranteed game time, though a player’s fitness itself can never be guaranteed. Fortunately, Aaronson’s healthy injury record means Farke can justify stowing confidence in his playmaker being able to see out the season on his own. But that is always a risky ploy. It does not seem as though United will be dipping into the market for a number 10 before the window shuts, so this might be the status quo for the run-in. Only in May will fans find out whether this is a masterstroke or negligent.
LEEDS UNITED BRENDEN AARONSON DANIEL FARKE PREMIER LEAGUE INJURY FITNESS TRANSFER WINDOW
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