Leeds United star now 'a prime example' for team-mates after major Farke praise
A Leeds United star has been praised for the impact he has made during the Whites’ recent upturn in form.
Leeds United are in confident mood as they prepare to face reigning Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield on New Years Day.
Although the trip to Merseyside will always be a daunting prospect for any visiting side, there is no doubt Daniel Farke’s men are on something of a high after a recent five-game unbeaten run has boosted their hopes of remaining in the Premier League and avoiding an immediate return to the Championship.
Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland gave a clear indication of a raising of standards across the Whites squad as they left the Stadium of Light feeling somewhat underwhelmed they hadn’t claimed a more lucrative reward for an impressive display against a Black Cats side that are exceeding all expectations upon their own return to the top flight. A number of Whites players have received praise for their performances in recent weeks, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin topping the bill after scoring seven goals in his last six appearances.
However, United States international Brenden Aaronson has also attracted praise from two former Leeds favourites and one believes the midfielder is repaying the faith shown in him by Farke during what had been a tricky return to the Premier League.
Speaking on LUTV after the draw with Sunderland, Dallas said: “He was brilliant today. His ability to keep the ball in tight spaces, and the assist. He’s had his fair share of criticism, but to continue to come back. I’m delighted for him. It’s been tough, he’s repaid his manager.”
Aaronson also earned praise from another former Whites star as Dominic Matteo said: “Brenden is a prime example of someone who wants to work hard. We know he’s slight, but he’s clever on the ball and you have to use your body in different ways. I didn’t see him get knocked off the ball today, away from home against a physical side, give him a lot of credit.”
What has Daniel Farke said about Brenden Aaronson?
Speaking after the draw at the Stadium of Light, Farke said: "Sometimes we don't do it the easy way, and make our life a bit complicated and he can also have sometimes a bit more clarity in his situations, but we have a great heart and great work ethic, and we do it in a special way, and we never give up, and we keep going and overcome each and every resilience - and he embodies this hard work and honest work so much, and he fully deserves to get praise after his last performances.
“It's also good that he had another great assist today and could have had, I think, a second, if Jayden Bogle would have put the ball in. But also right now, I've defended him several times when the pressure was on him. Right now, I don't need to praise him even a bit more, because I'm there like a shield when the outside world is criticising him. Right now, don't need to put too much spotlight on him. We win together. We lose together, and the praise goes to all the team, and just as a team we can shine."
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