Leeds United star 'deserves the acclaim' after receiving Daniel Farke backing
One Leeds United star has been singled out for praise by Daniel Farke and the YEP's chief football writer Graham Smyth.
Leeds United’s seven-game unbeaten run came to an end with an agonisingly late defeat at Premier League rivals Newcastle United in midweek.
However, there is still a positive atmosphere surrounding the Whites squad as their upturn in form over the last six weeks has lifted them eight points clear of the relegation zone and increased their chances of preserving their top flight status between now and the end of the season.
Several players have more than played their part in the turnaround in fortunes with midfield powerhouse Anton Stach providing a reliable presence in the middle of the pitch and free transfer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin hitting arguably the best spell of goalscoring form in his career to spark talk of a potential return to the England squad. However, it is the form of attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson that has caught the eye for a number of onlookers in recent weeks and the United States international has really come to the fore over the last seven days.
Aaronson put Farke’s side in front in last Sunday’s 1-1 home draw against Manchester United and struck a brace in the midweek defeat at Newcastle to take his seasonal goal tally to four in 21 appearances in all competitions. The YEP’s chief football writer Graham Smyth has praised the American for his upturn in form and believes he deserves the credit that is coming his way.
What has Graham Smyth said about Brenden Aaronson?
Speaking on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road podcast, Smyth said: “He gets in great positions, he runs his backside off, he covers distance, he annoys teams. He's always on the go, he's always busy. Sometimes you just want him to not be quite so busy. But the bit of his game that we've been most critical of and I've been asking for, and just days before this game was saying, his shooting was still annoying me, then he just produces this calm as you like finish. It was fantastic, really, really great goal, really composed from Aaronson and he deserved that moment to run to the fans and to feel the acclaim.”
What has Daniel Farke said about Brenden Aaronson?
Speaking after last month’s draw at Sunderland, the Whites boss said: “He (Aaronson) embodies so much what we want to be, which values we want to stand for as Leeds United. Sometimes we don't do it the easy way and he can sometimes have a bit more clarity in his situations but we have a great heart and a great work ethic. We never give up.
“He embodies this hard and honest work so much and fully deserves praise after the last performances. I've defended him several times when the pressure was on him, I don't need to praise him a bit more. I'm like a shield when the outside world is criticising him, (so) right now I don't need to put too much spotlight on him. We win together, we lose together.”
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