I think so. He’s definitely got improvements to make In many aspects of his game but I saw so many people saying “he does nothing” which is simply not true.
Thanks for this Locky. It’s the little things that BA does well that largely go unnoticed. There’s a reason why managers love him and find it hard to exclude him. I sometimes wonder if we’d been able to pry him away from Salzburg in Jan if we’d still have Bielsa. Marcelo was keen and he would’ve thrived in that system for sure. He relies a lot on others around him - and when there’s no movement or nothing on that’s when he struggles, ends up holding onto it and losing the ball. Just watch his highlights from his PL season and see how many times Rodrigo/Bamford/Harrison are just static and making themselves unavailable. I’ve watched BA since his Philly Union days and while I hoped he would’ve progressed a bit more in the final 3rd with his decision making and finishing, he’s still got room to grow and a year in the champo is exactly what he needs. By the end of the season I’m hopeful he’ll improve more in that aspect and be a PL-quality asset for us next season
Thankyou Michael. I full agree with your analysis and you make a great point in saying he relies on others to play with, it’s true and with others around him who are also fairly inconsistent you can see why maybe he can struggle in games. Also yes I’d of loved to see him under bielsa.. wow could you imagine,that would be crazy. Yes for sure a lot of improvement still needed in certain parts of his game. What was he like at Philly ? More of a winger and 8 or very similar to now ?
@ Philly moved him around, he would play centrally behind the ST or sometimes they’d deploy him on the wing. But he was always at his best at the 10, with Philly and w Salzburg also. The USMNT played a 433 until very recently so he really didn’t have the opportunity to play there. He was mostly ineffective on the wing (doesn’t have the pace to get to the end line consistently) and put in some really poor performances at the 8 for the US. As you pointed out, he’s at his best when he can find the half spaces, turn up field and create the attack. If he can develop the ability to beat one more man and put a good strike on goal, he’ll be lethal. But for now he needs that final pass to be on, otherwise he can get caught. So a bit more creativity with his choice of pass, a bit more patience and composure, and more lethality in front of goal and we’ll have ourselves a real player. I think it’ll just take more games under his belt and the right set of players around him.
Thankyou so much, massively appreciate it. And I agree I think it’s fair that he gets a fair review in the sense that most stuff is negative so it’s nice to acknowledge his shortcomings but then see what he does very well.
Thanks for this one, I've been waiting for the Aaronson analysis to drop since you first hinted at it. This type of content is some of the best going around in the Leeds space imo. Actual analysis of techniques and tactics, no BS just facts. Nerding out over here MOT
Haha thanks Robot, Class comment pal. This is what I try to do more often, I’m not particularly a fan of doing reactionary stuff and the reason I started as I thought there was a gap for stuff like this so I massively appreciate the support.
Excellent video Locky needs to be sent to any interested clubs so we can get a few more quid for him. I appreciate what you're saying about his tactical nouse and no one can dispute his effort but he just ain't for me and his position is one that needs sorting in January
Thankyou pal appreciate the support. Hahaha not a bad idea 😂 I appreciate the honesty and if he’s not for you then that’s absolutely fair enough and ye still having said what I said I do think we need to address in January as well. Thankyou again for the support
Key phrase: "He never hides." It's so true. His mistakes are more noticeable because he's working 10-15% more than other players and isn't afraid to try something. It's why he starts every game if healthy.
Basically when Aaronson develops more of a final ball he's unstoppable. Totally get why DF is sticking with him, such an intelligent player. As per usual the majority of the fan base don't see this and give him grief. Nice one for making the vid to explain how vital he is
Fantastic. This is a very fair analysis of Aaronson. Sadly, most don't watch Aaronson's off-the-ball movement. Yes, they notice him pressing, but they miss how he's always moving toward open space, creating for himself or a teammate. Obviously, he needs to score more. Yet, we are 1 game shy of the midway point, and he's on 8 goal contributions. Let's say he doubles it by season's end. Would we be happy with it? I would, and most would, too. Thanks for the analysis.
I did not like or want Aaronson in the Leeds team, but I've had to change my view, as he's earned my respect. He still has problems but they can be overcome, if someone is willing to take time with him to develop. Being "a Devil's advocate" - is he not marked, because he's little threat? Thanks Locky, for another very informative report.
Also - I thought he was a bit greedy, and wasted or got in the way of people who were in a better position to score...saying which, he now had a could of great opportunities, but passed, and the score was missed. He is a bit confused at the moment.
Cheers Pierre, appreciate it and appreciate the honesty. For sure he can still improve, absolutely no doubt. Good question and what I’d say is - he’s a threat in the sense he can work well in tight spaces but only becomes a threat if a player is willing to give it him in these spaces. One thing I love about Aaronson the fact I think he’s excellent on the half turn in these tight spaces and when you have a player who can find these guys in these pockets they will always be a threat imo . 🙌
We have plenty of prem quality players, even if some are lower table quality Rodon Struijk Bogle Wober Ampadu Tanaka Gruev James Aaronson Gnonto Ramizani Solomon All prem quality players or at worst prem squad players and these are backed up by some top championship players in Firpo, Byram, Schmidt, Joseph, Piroe, and some quality kids. They need a coach who can get the best out of them
gruev not prem quality, bogle will get rinsed defensively, james proved not good enough for prem ,strujik got murdered last time around, I think we have 3 genuine players of prem quality Tanaka,ramazani and gnonto cos he proved he was last time out, solomon obviously is when not injured
Struijk also played out of position most of his last season in the Prem and had his development stunted. He’s been a different player in the championship.
agreed re 25:02 shielding and size ' all about positioning and center of gravity (and a little bit of referees actually enforcing the rules / making them do it) ' so many of the best players r small and know how to get low to the ground ' this is sth i don't see aaronsson doin that well (lowness to ground) ' yaya toure was a big player but he knew how to get his bum down and in the way ' that's something brenden could work on '
Absolutely mate. Size means nothing at this level. It’s all about how quick you think and / or move + decision making. He does need to improve getting his body between man and ball however. 👌
Good piece. I've been a big Aaronson fan for years and have a closet full of his shirts for club and country. He may have holes in his game and need to improve in places, but he plays smart and with heart. If the relegation team had all played with his heart, the team would not have gone down. You could tell the lot of them were just beaten by the time Marsh was sacked. I've been a fan because of the way he plays, not the level that he plays at - or else I'd just be on the Messi bandwagon like so many people not just in America, but the world round. He does need to improve on some of his finishing, but his passes into the box on the ground are often times fantastic, but inconsistent. Especially from just outside the box. My theory on why he goes to ground so often is not due to his size, but that he's conditioned himself to go to ground with contact, especially from behind and English refs allow a bit more of a push from behind than he was used to in America and Austria. I've watched everyone of his games since he was in Philadelphia and I promise you that many of these hits where he goes down were whistled and not just in America, but in Austria as well. He just has to learn to take the hit and keep his feet. I think he'd benefit from drills where he's just dribbling past a line of defenders who all hit him in the back to break him of that conditioned weak-kneed flop he does when he's contacted. And he's like any other player where he's in form and out. When he's out, it's easy to pick his failings because they were highlighted so heavily in the Prem, where anyone's failings are going to stick out due to the level of the competition. He definitely didn't shine in the prem once teams realized they just had to whack him hard. In the first few games, he shined like when he forced the own goal that was stolen from him and the Mendy tackle. He's got what it takes if he can just refine a couple holes in his play like the finishing and the going to ground too easy. Lastly, I don't like him as a sub. When he starts, his play doesn't let off towards the 90th minute when so many other players wear out and stop giving as much effort. Better to bring someone off who can't run like he can for a full 90.
Aaronson gives 100% without a doubt, he can at times disrupt the opposition, he can at times provide assists and as we have seen he can occasionally score goals. However, he lacks quality and control on the ball, he is easily knocked off balls, he runs into blind alleys and he cuts out passes from our own lads that were not meant for him. Remember players like Billy Bremner, Nobby Stiles, both small in stature, terrier like but with control and skill on the ball, Aaronson needs to develop those skills and qualities and then I think he would be absolutely amazing. I wouldn’t write him off just yet, but the coaching staff need to take him to one side, develop his ball control skills and re-focus some of that energy, let’s not be too hard on the lad but hope he develops quickly 👍
Ye I think that’s a very fair assessment mate. I definitely think he could improve massively in his decision making in the final 3rd for sure. And yes some people need to chill on him for sure. Thanks for the support mate 👍
Yes It’s just not for me Nathan. Obviously he will do some good bits in that role as he’s a good player but there is complexity to the role I think he would massively struggle with. Ramazani is a better shout imo but still not perfect.
Do you think there are any stylistic ways to improve the xG gap game to game? For me it seems like occasionally shifting to relentless pressing in order to vary play and force mistakes from the opposition would lead to more goals and only a bit more goals against.
yeh i also feel like we could sometimes set slightly deeper pressing traps so we can win the ball back deeper so the other team leaves more space in behind them '
Ye it’s a good question. Just from the eye id agree with what you said, pressing. For me I think we look much better and more dangerous when we press as we often win it up very high. In fact I’m fairly sure I saw a stat a few weeks ago that we are the most effective pressing team in the league (in terms of high turnovers forced ) I honestly think farke maybe doesn’t feel as confident been so press happy without Ampadu who I believe was key at stopping potential attacks if the press was beaten. He was also key at covering Full backs so maybe when he’s back we can commit an extra fullback up maybe that could help too. And the other been the main issue of making that final pass that creates the chance more consistent. Great question though and definitely one to look deeper in.
I like Aaronson but I also wish we had the money / the willingness to spend to get another more offensively minded 10 to spell him against some of the teams that sit deep against us.
BA’s work rate and off ball movement is admirable. Just really wish he added his output in the final third. And had a bit more confidence/freedom to turn more often when he picks the ball up, would open up many spaces If he did, his he was producing the numbers of say a Finn Azaz, BA wouldn’t be anywhere near the championship However recently, most notable Blackburn, although not solely, he had a poor game. I feel he should have been taken off and we needed to be more direct running to get at Blackburn’s defence
I love your work mate, but saying he marks the 4 , anyone can do, he passes back, plays safe all time, breaks down our attacks, this video is far to complementary on him.
I don't know what games you have been watching, because Aaronson has been awful. He is not even Championship level, as far as I am concerned.... Again, against Blackburn..... we see him falling over in a slight breeze. He is a weak man in body, and in soul.
So under rated by supporters who just don’t really understand football.
Oh sorry Jose! 😂
@ You’re forgiven.
I think so. He’s definitely got improvements to make In many aspects of his game but I saw so many people saying “he does nothing” which is simply not true.
Didn’t want Aaronson back but he’s changed my mind
Very honest Gail, appreciate the honesty. Still got improvements to make but for sure isn’t as bad as people make out in my opinion.
Thanks for this Locky. It’s the little things that BA does well that largely go unnoticed. There’s a reason why managers love him and find it hard to exclude him.
I sometimes wonder if we’d been able to pry him away from Salzburg in Jan if we’d still have Bielsa. Marcelo was keen and he would’ve thrived in that system for sure.
He relies a lot on others around him - and when there’s no movement or nothing on that’s when he struggles, ends up holding onto it and losing the ball. Just watch his highlights from his PL season and see how many times Rodrigo/Bamford/Harrison are just static and making themselves unavailable.
I’ve watched BA since his Philly Union days and while I hoped he would’ve progressed a bit more in the final 3rd with his decision making and finishing, he’s still got room to grow and a year in the champo is exactly what he needs. By the end of the season I’m hopeful he’ll improve more in that aspect and be a PL-quality asset for us next season
Thankyou Michael. I full agree with your analysis and you make a great point in saying he relies on others to play with, it’s true and with others around him who are also fairly inconsistent you can see why maybe he can struggle in games. Also yes I’d of loved to see him under bielsa.. wow could you imagine,that would be crazy.
Yes for sure a lot of improvement still needed in certain parts of his game. What was he like at Philly ? More of a winger and 8 or very similar to now ?
@ Philly moved him around, he would play centrally behind the ST or sometimes they’d deploy him on the wing. But he was always at his best at the 10, with Philly and w Salzburg also.
The USMNT played a 433 until very recently so he really didn’t have the opportunity to play there. He was mostly ineffective on the wing (doesn’t have the pace to get to the end line consistently) and put in some really poor performances at the 8 for the US.
As you pointed out, he’s at his best when he can find the half spaces, turn up field and create the attack. If he can develop the ability to beat one more man and put a good strike on goal, he’ll be lethal. But for now he needs that final pass to be on, otherwise he can get caught. So a bit more creativity with his choice of pass, a bit more patience and composure, and more lethality in front of goal and we’ll have ourselves a real player. I think it’ll just take more games under his belt and the right set of players around him.
some people only see the part of the icebergs that r above the water ' they gonn catch wrek '
great analysis again locky ur a treasure '
Thankyou so much, massively appreciate it. And I agree I think it’s fair that he gets a fair review in the sense that most stuff is negative so it’s nice to acknowledge his shortcomings but then see what he does very well.
Aaronson such a worker & Runner
Like Harrison?
Thanks for this one, I've been waiting for the Aaronson analysis to drop since you first hinted at it. This type of content is some of the best going around in the Leeds space imo. Actual analysis of techniques and tactics, no BS just facts. Nerding out over here MOT
Haha thanks Robot, Class comment pal. This is what I try to do more often, I’m not particularly a fan of doing reactionary stuff and the reason I started as I thought there was a gap for stuff like this so I massively appreciate the support.
Excellent video Locky needs to be sent to any interested clubs so we can get a few more quid for him. I appreciate what you're saying about his tactical nouse and no one can dispute his effort but he just ain't for me and his position is one that needs sorting in January
Thankyou pal appreciate the support. Hahaha not a bad idea 😂 I appreciate the honesty and if he’s not for you then that’s absolutely fair enough and ye still having said what I said I do think we need to address in January as well. Thankyou again for the support
Key phrase: "He never hides." It's so true. His mistakes are more noticeable because he's working 10-15% more than other players and isn't afraid to try something. It's why he starts every game if healthy.
Your content is outstanding, Locky.
Legend, Dottie. Thankyou so much. Getting a lot of shit for this vid in social media so all the kind feedback is much appreciated 👍
Basically when Aaronson develops more of a final ball he's unstoppable. Totally get why DF is sticking with him, such an intelligent player. As per usual the majority of the fan base don't see this and give him grief. Nice one for making the vid to explain how vital he is
Thanks Locky take care
Top video on our American boy. And boy would I have loved to have seen him under Bielsa.
Cheers buddy 👍 ye a few had agreed with that - him under bielsa would of been carnage
Fantastic. This is a very fair analysis of Aaronson. Sadly, most don't watch Aaronson's off-the-ball movement. Yes, they notice him pressing, but they miss how he's always moving toward open space, creating for himself or a teammate. Obviously, he needs to score more. Yet, we are 1 game shy of the midway point, and he's on 8 goal contributions. Let's say he doubles it by season's end. Would we be happy with it? I would, and most would, too. Thanks for the analysis.
I did not like or want Aaronson in the Leeds team, but I've had to change my view, as he's earned my respect. He still has problems but they can be overcome, if someone is willing to take time with him to develop. Being "a Devil's advocate" - is he not marked, because he's little threat? Thanks Locky, for another very informative report.
Also - I thought he was a bit greedy, and wasted or got in the way of people who were in a better position to score...saying which, he now had a could of great opportunities, but passed, and the score was missed. He is a bit confused at the moment.
Cheers Pierre, appreciate it and appreciate the honesty. For sure he can still improve, absolutely no doubt. Good question and what I’d say is - he’s a threat in the sense he can work well in tight spaces but only becomes a threat if a player is willing to give it him in these spaces. One thing I love about Aaronson the fact I think he’s excellent on the half turn in these tight spaces and when you have a player who can find these guys in these pockets they will always be a threat imo . 🙌
Aaronson is the Bez of Leeds United. He doesn't actually do anything but you would miss him if he wasn't there.
Hahaha absolutely 😂
Brilliant analysis, Locky. Thankyou.
Thankyou John, appreciate the support pal.
We have plenty of prem quality players, even if some are lower table quality
Rodon
Struijk
Bogle
Wober
Ampadu
Tanaka
Gruev
James
Aaronson
Gnonto
Ramizani
Solomon
All prem quality players or at worst prem squad players and these are backed up by some top championship players in Firpo, Byram, Schmidt, Joseph, Piroe, and some quality kids. They need a coach who can get the best out of them
gruev not prem quality, bogle will get rinsed defensively, james proved not good enough for prem ,strujik got murdered last time around, I think we have 3 genuine players of prem quality Tanaka,ramazani and gnonto cos he proved he was last time out, solomon obviously is when not injured
Struijk also played out of position most of his last season in the Prem and had his development stunted. He’s been a different player in the championship.
Fair enough Peter. I honestly think we have maybe 4-5 prem quality players in the team and maybe 2-3 more who can be good squad options.
agreed re 25:02 shielding and size ' all about positioning and center of gravity (and a little bit of referees actually enforcing the rules / making them do it) '
so many of the best players r small and know how to get low to the ground '
this is sth i don't see aaronsson doin that well (lowness to ground) ' yaya toure was a big player but he knew how to get his bum down and in the way ' that's something brenden could work on '
Absolutely mate. Size means nothing at this level. It’s all about how quick you think and / or move + decision making. He does need to improve getting his body between man and ball however. 👌
Good piece. I've been a big Aaronson fan for years and have a closet full of his shirts for club and country. He may have holes in his game and need to improve in places, but he plays smart and with heart. If the relegation team had all played with his heart, the team would not have gone down. You could tell the lot of them were just beaten by the time Marsh was sacked. I've been a fan because of the way he plays, not the level that he plays at - or else I'd just be on the Messi bandwagon like so many people not just in America, but the world round.
He does need to improve on some of his finishing, but his passes into the box on the ground are often times fantastic, but inconsistent. Especially from just outside the box.
My theory on why he goes to ground so often is not due to his size, but that he's conditioned himself to go to ground with contact, especially from behind and English refs allow a bit more of a push from behind than he was used to in America and Austria. I've watched everyone of his games since he was in Philadelphia and I promise you that many of these hits where he goes down were whistled and not just in America, but in Austria as well. He just has to learn to take the hit and keep his feet. I think he'd benefit from drills where he's just dribbling past a line of defenders who all hit him in the back to break him of that conditioned weak-kneed flop he does when he's contacted.
And he's like any other player where he's in form and out. When he's out, it's easy to pick his failings because they were highlighted so heavily in the Prem, where anyone's failings are going to stick out due to the level of the competition. He definitely didn't shine in the prem once teams realized they just had to whack him hard. In the first few games, he shined like when he forced the own goal that was stolen from him and the Mendy tackle. He's got what it takes if he can just refine a couple holes in his play like the finishing and the going to ground too easy.
Lastly, I don't like him as a sub. When he starts, his play doesn't let off towards the 90th minute when so many other players wear out and stop giving as much effort. Better to bring someone off who can't run like he can for a full 90.
Aaronson gives 100% without a doubt, he can at times disrupt the opposition, he can at times provide assists and as we have seen he can occasionally score goals. However, he lacks quality and control on the ball, he is easily knocked off balls, he runs into blind alleys and he cuts out passes from our own lads that were not meant for him. Remember players like Billy Bremner, Nobby Stiles, both small in stature, terrier like but with control and skill on the ball, Aaronson needs to develop those skills and qualities and then I think he would be absolutely amazing. I wouldn’t write him off just yet, but the coaching staff need to take him to one side, develop his ball control skills and re-focus some of that energy, let’s not be too hard on the lad but hope he develops quickly 👍
Ye I think that’s a very fair assessment mate. I definitely think he could improve massively in his decision making in the final 3rd for sure. And yes some people need to chill on him for sure. Thanks for the support mate 👍
Lost his form recently but started so well and surprised me but still want him in for a few games
Contrary to people wanting Gnonto in the number 10 position, I think you have shown why BA is a much better fit than WG is
it’s probably the same lot who shouted for Raph to play as a 10. A baller on the wing does not equal a baller on the flanks (unless you are Messi).
Yes It’s just not for me Nathan. Obviously he will do some good bits in that role as he’s a good player but there is complexity to the role I think he would massively struggle with. Ramazani is a better shout imo but still not perfect.
Yes Locky his goals wiil come in useful like Piroe’s goals
He looks a lot stronger now
Love this vid
Do you think there are any stylistic ways to improve the xG gap game to game?
For me it seems like occasionally shifting to relentless pressing in order to vary play and force mistakes from the opposition would lead to more goals and only a bit more goals against.
yeh i also feel like we could sometimes set slightly deeper pressing traps so we can win the ball back deeper so the other team leaves more space in behind them '
Ye it’s a good question. Just from the eye id agree with what you said, pressing. For me I think we look much better and more dangerous when we press as we often win it up very high. In fact I’m fairly sure I saw a stat a few weeks ago that we are the most effective pressing team in the league (in terms of high turnovers forced ) I honestly think farke maybe doesn’t feel as confident been so press happy without Ampadu who I believe was key at stopping potential attacks if the press was beaten. He was also key at covering Full backs so maybe when he’s back we can commit an extra fullback up maybe that could help too. And the other been the main issue of making that final pass that creates the chance more consistent. Great question though and definitely one to look deeper in.
@ thanks! Looking forward to hearing what you come up with!
11 goals for Aaronson & Piroe between them already and that’s not including assists
I like Aaronson but I also wish we had the money / the willingness to spend to get another more offensively minded 10 to spell him against some of the teams that sit deep against us.
Ye I agree Michael. I still want a 10, a different profile for sure.
I would say to Aaronson less is More. More intent and focus, less buzzing around
BA’s work rate and off ball movement is admirable.
Just really wish he added his output in the final third. And had a bit more confidence/freedom to turn more often when he picks the ball up, would open up many spaces
If he did, his he was producing the numbers of say a Finn Azaz, BA wouldn’t be anywhere near the championship
However recently, most notable Blackburn, although not solely, he had a poor game.
I feel he should have been taken off and we needed to be more direct running to get at Blackburn’s defence
Hes decent and works hard, but he's not the 10 we need.
In a word, mediocrity
I love your work mate, but saying he marks the 4 , anyone can do, he passes back, plays safe all time, breaks down our attacks, this video is far to complementary on him.
I don't know what games you have been watching, because Aaronson has been awful.
He is not even Championship level, as far as I am concerned....
Again, against Blackburn..... we see him falling over in a slight breeze.
He is a weak man in body, and in soul.