Leeds United defeated Schalke on Saturday afternoon in their third pre-season friendly, and Bryn Law has revealed his thoughts on Brenden Aaronson.
The 23-year-old American star has returned to Elland Road after spending the previous season on loan at Union Berlin, as one of eight players who took advantage of Victor Orta’s loan clause following the club’s relegation.
Aaronson is under pressure following a poor debut season at Leeds, during which he scored only one goal in 40 games. That occurred after a £25 million cost, leaving many wondering why he was so expensive to sign.
Then came the decision to jump ship. But he has committed his future to Leeds, and fans are finally warming up to his comeback, following the initial opposition to Aaronson’s return to Elland Road earlier this summer.
Aaronson’s lack of physicality is frustrating for fans.
Leeds achieved a 2-0 win on Saturday with to second-half goals from Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe, with Schalke proving considerably tougher opponents than Hannover 96 – but another victory for Daniel Farke.
Aaronson began again for Leeds on the left wing, flanked by Georginio Rutter and Willy Gnonto behind Mateo Joseph. The American made some excellent moves and moved into solid positions in the last third.
He got a great chance but failed to score. Law, who was commenting on the game for LUTV, saw his physical progress when the number 11 guarded the ball from two players on 17 minutes.
“Aaronson performs well and overcomes a few of hurdles. That’s also a nice sign from Brenden Aaronson; his physicality appears to be there,” Law stated after Aaronson impressed with an assist against Hannover.
Tony Dorigo stated that he has heard of Leeds sensation Aaronson.
Speaking as a co-commentator in the first pre-season friendly in Germany, a 4-1 victory over Hannover, former Leeds player Dorigo said that Aaronson had gained some muscle while on loan.
It is a critical area for former Salzburg player Aaronson to master, not only because it was previously an issue, but also because the requirement for it is greater in the Championship than in the more technical Premier League.
The Championship is physical, and Leeds, especially Aaronson, will face teams that aren’t as good. It means they will try to interrupt, disrupt, and Aaronson will have to deal with that physically.
