Brenden Aaronson gets more criticism than any other player in this Leeds United side, and there are a few reasons for that. But on Saturday, the American deserved everything he got.
The first reason for the criticism, is that Aaronson cost Leeds a fee of £25m. It is fair to say that Aaronson is yet to prove why Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta chose to part with such a fee, in the summer of 2022.
Then, there is Aaronson’s decision to leave on loan. Eight players used Victor Orta’s loan, and only two remain in Daniel Farke’s squad. One of them is Jack Harrison, who has returned after an Everton spell.
But the biggest factor of all, is Aaronson’s form on the pitch. The American’s slight figure is often a big source of frustration and this season, his negative approach has been a source of anger for supporters.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty ImagesHow Leeds fans reacted to Aaronson when replaced by Ao Tanaka
Aaronson’s inclusion in the starting line-up against Fulham was a surprise. Farke said that Noah Okafor’s lack of work rate meant Leeds needed a hard-working player on the other flank to complement him.
Aaronson has remained in the starting line-up, with Farke claiming he has to defend Aaronson more than any other player in a recent press conference. But on Saturday, Aaronson produced his best display so far.
The USA star, who will be delighted to get some game time ahead of a home World Cup next summer, was eventually subbed off on 87 minutes. Beren Cross reported that Aaronson got a standing ovation.
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Aaronson off for Tanaka in the 87th minute. Standing ovation. #lufc
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) September 27, 2025
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Brenden Aaronson’s stats for Leeds in Bournemouth draw
It was another shift from Aaronson, but he twinned with quality on Saturday. Against Fulham and Wolves, Aaronson perhaps lacked the attacking creativity that Okafor, Anton Stach or others have provided.
But on Saturday, he showed signs of doing that. What will be interesting is that when Dan James and Willy Gnonto are fully fit, will he continue to start? Well, judging on this showing, Farke will keep him in.
Brenden Aaronson’s stats for Leeds:
- 6.9 FotMob rating, 87 minutes played
- XG+XA: 0.59, six defensive contributions
- Five shots, one on target, five touches in Bournemouth box
- 43 touches, 13/17 successful passes (76%)
- Two tackles, two interceptions, two recoveries
- Eight duels won, eight duels lost
With Okafor seen limping when he came off, and both Gnonto and James not yet up to speed, it feels like Aaronson will likely start against Tottenham next Saturday, before the October international break.