Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has praised Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson, claiming he 'sets the tone' for the Whites.
The 22-year-old first arrived at Elland Road in the summer but has been a vital part of their somewhat limited success this season, popping up with a goal and two assists in 14 top-flight appearances.
Speaking on Amazon Prime Video's coverage of the match, ahead of Leeds' 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, Onuoha highlighted the American international ability to press as his greatest strength.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer jokes he was 'devastated' by Leeds United's relegation with Elland Road swipe
"It’s interesting listening to him where he talks about the style of play which he understands, listening to him say that there are players going to learn what he knows - when he is the new guy in this set up.
"I think there are better times for Leeds to come, and I think he’s still a young player but the style of play in which he has is the high press, high energy, trying to get the ball, be dynamic. I think he might want to score more goals, but this part of the game is also just as important.
"I’ll hold my hands up as a defender and say I loved it when no attacker pressed me ever, because then you think you’re a great player. You look at the way he does it, and he initiates a lot of the pressing - not necessarily the guy who wins the ball - but he sets the tone.
"If you listen here you can hear 'olés', you think everyone would back off, but he continues because he knows if he can win the ball back and then they can create something from there.
"You need those guys in your team. They might not necessarily get all the plaudits and all the headlines but you can see in this moment they do that. If he doesn’t press like he did here, he doesn’t score and they don’t beat Chelsea, so it just goes to show that the work that doesn’t always feel obvious can make the big difference."
READ NEXT
- Leeds United have already made 'important' signing ahead of January transfer window
- Newcastle and Aston Villa a 'step above' Leeds as Victor Orta makes European admission
- Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani makes Serie A club takeover admission
- Leeds United trio answer questions as Manchester City's gulf in class shows
- Leeds United player ratings as Cooper horror pass headlines poor day for possession in Man City loss
