The arrival of Brenden Aaronson will hopefully bring some much-needed creativity to the Leeds United midfield. The young American is likely to slot into the Whites starting XI either in a central attacking role behind the striker or in an inverted wide attacking role that has been a staple of previous Jesse Marsch sides.
The Whites have struggled to find a midfielder capable of supporting the front three which, at full fitness, would be Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford. Both Mateusz Klich and Rodrigo have failed in their attempts to stamp their authority in the traditional ‘number 10’ role and Aaronson will be looking to take the mantle.
In an interview with Sky Sports back in October 2020, the three players he admitted that he bases his game around perhaps indicates the type of player he is. After mentioning his admiration for Liverpool, he was asked if he takes inspiration from the way Steven Gerrard used to play.
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He replied: "I think we're a little different in positioning, but I used to see him go into games and giving it his all every game. He was winning challenges, playing the ball forward, scoring goals - he really was the complete midfielder and that's something I want to bring into my game.
“He was tireless and gave everything for the team and that's something I really like about him. I also really like Luka Modric and Kaka - I like those three a lot and they're the ones I like to plan my game around."
If he can enjoy even half the success for Leeds that those three achieved then we will quickly become a fans’ favourite at Elland Road. Since he played a more prominent role to Salzburg, he certainly delivered on his promise to bring a harder working side to his game which definitely won’t do him any harm in front of the Whites supporters who have become used to watching an intense, high-pressing style of football.
That endeavour to run for the whole 90 minutes highlights why he was so high on the list of Leeds transfer targets, even before Jesse Marsch’s arrival. Based on that same interview, the move to Leeds and the Premier League clearly helps Aaronson realise a lifelong ambition.
"I think for me the Premier League is the dream league for me,” he said. “It's unbelievable and it keeps going upwards. The players keep getting better and better and for me, it's for sure a dream league and something I would like to be a part of for any team over there really!"
