Leeds United bounced back from their 4-0 disappointment at the hands of Arsenal in some style against Nottingham Forest on Friday night.
Under the lights at Elland Road this season, Daniel Farke‘s men have been a joy to watch, and that was the case again against Sean Dyche’s shellshocked away side, with Leeds full value for their emphatic 3-1 win come the full-time whistle.
With their beloved side remaining six points clear of the Premier League drop zone, Leeds fans can rest slightly easier about their team falling through the relegation trap-door, with the revitalised performances of Brenden Aaronson – who was once a source for many groans in West Yorkshire – standing out as one major plus during the Whites’ swift turnaround in fortunes.
The numbers behind Aaronson’s improved performances
While Aaronson has impressed with his goal and assist output of late, as evidenced by him sitting comfortably on a hefty seven goal contributions for the season, the tenacious American has also stolen many supporters’ hearts this campaign with his relentless energy and work rate.
His desire to battle and scrap was clear for all to see against the Tricky Trees at Elland Road, with a brave ten duels won for his team’s cause when the hotly-contested game ramped up into a fierce tussle.
Also finishing the game with seven ball carries to his name to always gift Farke’s men a speedy attacking outlet, Aaronson was rightly lauded for his efforts out of possession come the full-time whistle.
Aaronson must be relieved that his ongoing Leeds tale has turned around in such a prompt manner, when he was once judged as being too “anonymous” for his side by journalist James Marshment, alongside also being critiqued for being too “lightweight” in the Premier League by ex-Leeds player Jon Newsome.
Now, it’s not the most ludicrous shout to suggest he’s one of the first names on the German’s team-sheet. Interestingly, they may have just signed another Aaronson…
Leeds have found their next Aaronson
While the improved form of the ex-Union Berlin midfielder will please those with Leeds’ connections, the Whites aren’t overflowing with options in the attacking midfield department.
Facundo Buonanotte is another option Farke can consider as an entertaining number ten, but he was nowhere to be found in the squad that was named for the clash with Dyche and Co.
Looking more towards the long-term future, past the Argentine’s short-term loan, Farke will feel he can unearth another dazzling midfield talent akin to Aaronson in 17-year-old sensation Edward-Ibrovic-Fletcher who signed for the club on transfer deadline day last Monday.
Despite his tender age, it isn’t completely out of the realms of possibility that Ibrovic-Fletcher could be in with a shout of some first-team action shortly, considering Farke has handed a whole raft of promising youngsters their senior debuts at Leeds over the years.
|
Youngsters given a senior debut by Farke |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Age of debut |
|
Harry Gray |
16 years, 6 months, 13 days |
|
Sam Chambers |
17 years, 2 months, 15 days |
|
Archie Gray |
17 years, 4 months, 25 days |
|
Charlie Crew |
18 years, 4 months, 18 days |
|
James Debayo |
19 years, 4 months, 13 days |
Archie Gray – one of Leeds’ record sales – even turned into a £30m talent under the ex-Norwich City manager’s watchful eye, as the next generation now coming through attempts to make similar waves.
If Leeds remain short on numbers in attacking midfield, as well, he could be pushed to promote the Serbia U18 international into the senior fold down the line.
Already, Ibrovic-Fletcher has impressed as a midfield livewire after a January switch from arch rivals Manchester United, scoring just 15 minutes into his U18s debut for Leeds.
With the teenager also declaring himself as a Leeds supporter in his announcement, he will surely be prepared to put in passionate and full-blooded displays for Farke’s men, much like Aaronson has become well-known for.
It will be some time before Ibrovic-Fletcher is on the same level as the lively number 11, with plenty more U18s football just what he needs for his progression.
But, with Leeds’ standout track record from the academy on their side, he could become a dynamic first-team star – like Aaronson – in the years to come, with both the short-term future and the long-term future looking bright at Elland Road.
Forget Calvert-Lewin: £5m sensation looks like Farke’s best Leeds signing
This Leeds star has shone under Farke during his time at the club
