Brenden Aaronson impressed during Leeds United’s 4-1 victory over Hannover 96 on Wednesday afternoon, and Tony Dorigo has shared his thoughts on the player’s predicament as he returns to Elland Road.
Leeds were outstanding in only their second pre-season friendly on Wednesday, as Daniel Farke’s side defeated the second-tier promotion prospects with four fine goals in Germany.
Aaronson set up the first goal, sending a beautiful ball into Ilia Gruev for the score. Georginio Rutter set up Joel Piroe, who fired into the far corner with his weaker right foot.
Mateo Joseph came off the bench to score two second-half goals, with Crysencio Summerville and new acquisition Jayden Bogle providing good assists on the right.
Dorigo explains what he’s heard regarding Leeds player Aaronson.
The 23-year-old has made the surprise decision to return to Elland Road following a loan spell at Union Berlin. A rough first season at Leeds, following his £25 million move, did not improve in Germany with Union.
But he’s returned to Leeds with something to prove. His quality was never in doubt, but his lack of physicality harmed his confidence as Leeds supporters became dissatisfied with the American playmaker.
Now he’s back, and when commentating on LUTV, Dorigo delivered his assessment on Aaronson’s great assist for Gruev to open the scoring, saying he’d heard Aaronson had gained muscular mass.
“He is a player with ability. Without a doubt, he has amazing skill and ability, and he will pass. His game unraveled confidently. Things were more physical than he expected, and he began to struggle.
“I hear he’s gained six or seven pounds of muscle while being in Germany. This year marks the championship. It’s a fantastic opportunity and a daring decision to make things right. He appears to be a valuable addition to our team.
Aaronson’s starting left-wing is a Crysencio Summerville clue.
Whoever began in preseason games is unlikely to tell the entire story going forward. Karl Darlow started against Hannover, despite the fact that Illan Meslier is the club’s first choice goalkeeper.
However, Joe Rodon, Georginio Rutter, Ethan Ampadu, Junior Firpo, Ilia Gruev, and Willy Gnonto all started against Hannover. Aaronson started over winger Summerville, which may be a clue or a subtle suggestion.
Summerville is due to leave Elland Road this summer, and Farke may be looking at the USA star on the left side ahead of the new season. It would allow Rutter to remain in the No.10 position.
