When there are a raft of new signings, it leaves the current squad looking over their shoulder. Pascal Struijk is clearly the main casualty from last season’s starting XI under Daniel Farke.
While Jaka Bijol will be suspended for the opener against Everton, he is widely expected to start with Joe Rodon at centre-back for the entirety of the season. The two have combined during pre-season so far.
In goal, Lucas Perri is expected to replace Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow. Perri was missing on Saturday due to an injury that he was carrying when signed, but is expected to be fit to play against Milan in Dublin.
Ao Tanaka’s place is also under threat after Leeds agreed deals for both Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach. The latter was excellent against Villarreal, with both new signings starting with Ethan Ampadu in midfield.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesDaniel Farke’s verdict on Brenden Aaronson display v Villarreal
Leeds’ lack of activity in the final third means that with two weeks to go until the opener against Everton, Brenden Aaronson is just as important as he was last season. Last term, he started 44 of 46 league games.
That is despite question marks over his form last season. On Saturday, Farke played a 4-3-3, lacking a no.10 and yet, Aaronson started for Leeds on the right flank. The USA star showing fans his versatility.
Aaronson basically got the assist for Joel Piroe’s goal, and Farke was asked about the American in his post-match press conference. He said that given Aaronson returned late, the £25m man put in a shift.
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“Not the plan to give him so many minutes, he’s been with us for just one week. Good shift. Involved in the equaliser, more or less the assist, good work with and without the ball. Important for offensive work.”
Brenden Aaronson’s future at Leeds remains a talking point
Having been bought for £25m, having been one of the eight to use Victor Orta’s relegation loan clause and having failed to prove his transfer fee last season, Aaronson’s place in the line-up is not definite.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Leeds are expected to make additions, with Beren Cross reporting Leeds could still make four signings with a no.10 among them. If that is the case, it is difficult to see where Aaronson comes into the side.
Crucially, the United States host next summer’s World Cup and Aaronson will be desperate to show Mauricio Pochettino what he can do. Aaronson needs game time, but that might not be at Leeds.