Leeds United have four of their players at this summer’s World Cup, but it’s fair to say it hasn’t gone to plan for some of them.

Noah Okafor has yet to receive a minute for Switzerland in their opening two group games. A fact that United’s hierarchy will quietly be celebrating due to the winger’s injury record.

Brenden Aaronson has also yet to feature in the USA’s opening two group games. However, given the fact that they have won both games with impressive performances, it’s hard to justify that Aaronson should’ve been subbed on by their manager, Mauricio Pochettino.

Considering Pochettino’s track record as an elite coach, his management of Aaronson is something Daniel Farke can learn a thing or two from next season.

Daniel Farke cannot be as reliant on Brenden Aaronson next season at Leeds United

Aaronson is arguably coming off the best season of his Leeds career, but by no means does this mean he is a player we can rely on going forward.

The American was primarily deployed on the right wing last season, but would often tuck into midfield when needed. This hyper-specialised role suited Aaronson’s work rate perfectly, and perhaps he was the only one in the entire squad who had the capability to do this.

However, for all that running and pressing, it was largely the same story with Aaronson last season, a severe lack of quality in the final third.

There is a reason why a manager of Pochettino’s calibre does not play him at all. So whilst I’m not saying Farke has to be this dramatic when reducing Aaronson’s gametime next season, he can certainly take a leaf out of the former Spurs manager’s book.

Aaronson featured in all but one of our Premier League games last season, playing a total of 2473 minutes. Farke cannot play the American anywhere near as much next season if we want to climb up the table.

A new right winger would revolutionise Leeds United

Whilst Aaronson’s work rate was useful last season, especially in tricky away games, it simply does not outweigh the lack of quality he possesses.

There is certainly still a place for Aaronson in this Leeds squad, especially as we continue to fight near the bottom of the table.

But for me, a new right winger would be one of the first signings I’d be attempting to bring through the door this summer.

Having Aaronson as an impact sub to inject more energy into the game late on would suit him far more than relying on the American to be our creative spark in the final third consistently.

Harry Wilson, for example, would be a complete game changer for us on that right flank. A Premier League proven player in his prime, who is a far superior ball striker to Aaronson.

Aaronson may have put up relatively impressive numbers last season, with four goals and five assists to his name, but Wilson has done it in the Premier League for multiple years now.

So whether it be Wilson or someone else, a new right-winger who possesses quality, but equally the work rate that Farke demands, is arguably the most important signing we can make this summer.

This part is crucial. If the right winger does not have Farke’s trust when it comes to his work off the ball, we can expect to see Aaronson starting games ahead of whoever the new signing is instead.

0%
Love

0%
Funny

0%
Wow

0%
Sad

0%
Angry