Leeds United were left disappointed to come from Lancashire on Saturday after they could only try to secure a draw away to Preston North End.
They found themselves 1-0 down after a first-half strike from Brad Potts and spent the rest of the game trying to dismantle Paul Heckingbottom’s side, before Jack Whatmough’s stoppage-time own goal made it 1-1.
The result left White in second place Championship table, three points behind Sheffield United in first, and Daniel Wake he will definitely have his sights set on going to the top.
One player who could be mercilessly dropped from the starting line-up to help Leeds go a step further is attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who has struggled in recent weeks.
Brenden Aaronson’s recent form for Leeds
The American international lined up as a number ten in the 1-1 draw with Preston and put in an impressive display for the West Yorkshire outfit.
He failed to create a single chance for his teammates 65 minutes on the field and missed a ‘big chance’ as Sam Byram’s tackle in the box presented a fantastic opportunity to hit the target – only for Aaronson to fire well over the bar.
The former RB Salzburg star has now created one goal, zero assists and zero ‘big chances’ last eight games in the Championship for Leeds, with the goal coming in the form of a tap-in from close range against Middlesbrough.
Farke must finally drop him from the starting line-up due to his lack of production at the top of the pitch, and could do so by unleashing another player into a new role at Elland Road.
The Leeds star who could learn a new role
Matteo Joseph initially thought he had secured the equalizer from the bench for the Whites on Saturday, only for a Watmo own goal to come in after his run and effort at the near post set up the equaliser.
The Spanish U21 international, who has competed the vast majority of his career as a centre-forward, he appeared to have a slightly deeper role when he came on, with Patrick Bamford in front of him and he almost worked perfectly after pouncing on a loose ball about 25 yards out and driving forward before firing over. an excellent shot from distance that forced Freddie Woodman to clear.
Joseph, who was hailed as “dynamite” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, he is a dynamic forward who can drive the ball, create chances for his team-mates and play in between, so he could be suited to play as a number ten.
|
Championship 24/25 |
Mateo Joseph |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
21 |
|
It starts |
10 |
|
Goals |
2 |
|
Great opportunities were created |
4 |
|
It helps |
3 |
As you can see in the table above, the academy graduate has yet to find his feet as a goalscorer, but has shown impressive creativity, with four ‘big chances’ created in ten starts.
That suggests he could thrive as an attacking midfielder, able to create chances for his teammates, which is why Farke should finally ditch Aaronson to free up Joseph in a new role.
