With seven huge games left to play in the Premier League, Leeds United are in the final stretch towards survival. It would be an incredible achievement, given the recent history of promoted sides in the top flight.
All credit deserves to go the way of Daniel Farke. When those at Elland Road were questioning his position more than ever and his dismissal looked inevitable, an act of tactical genius changed the tide.
Now, with his 5-4-1 system still going strong, the German has set the foundations to build a summer transfer window centred around some ruthless decisions.
What the summer holds for Leeds
Staying up at the first time of asking is one thing; avoiding a serious case of second-season syndrome is another task altogether. It’s a deadly disease that several teams have suffered in the past, but the 49ers are seemingly ready to avoid the symptoms and boost Farke’s squad.
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While exits would appear to be likely for players like Joel Piroe and Jack Harrison, the rumour mill is already producing some interesting speculation around potential incomings like Harry Wilson and Pavel Sulc. Both would be excellent additions and both would play their part in avoiding relegation, plus more.
Wilson particularly stands out on Leeds’ radar. The Welshman is yet to sign a new contract at Fulham and remains on course to leave the club as a free agent this summer. As a result, those at Elland Road could land one of the bargains of the season.
If Wilson does arrive, it should bring an end to another Elland Road career as the 49ers get ruthless. The Fulham man would be a clear upgrade on someone like Brenden Aaronson, who has gone from a man in form back to a struggling star in recent months.
Leeds star must be given the Meslier treatment
It wasn’t long ago that Aaronson looked like Pablo Hernandez reborn. Farke’s system change was perfect for the American, who was forming quite the partnership with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Indeed, during a 12 game run that began with West Ham on October 24th and ending with a brace in the 4-3 defeat to Newcastle on 7th January, the USMNT star scored four times and also supplied three assists. It was comfortably his best spell of form since moving to Elland Road for a big fee.
However, with seven games left to play, that spell of form feels more like a fantasy than the reality that ever happened.
The £24m man has dropped away again, with his inconsistency proving to be a problem for those at Elland Road, and should be part of a ruthless reshuffle this summer.
Following a flurry of form which showed plenty of potential, Aaronson has now failed to score or assist in his last ten Premier League games and in that time, Leeds have also won just twice – highlighting the impact that a player in his role can have.
Brenden Aaronson 25/26 (PL)
Minutes
1,987
Goals
4
Assists
3
Chances Created per 90
1.18
Successful Dribbles per 90
1
Duel Success per 90
40.2%
The biggest issue that Aaronson has is his work out of possession. The 25-year-old simply isn’t strong enough for the current, physical version of the Premier League – winning just 40% of his duels this season.
If his impact was more decisive in possession, then that could be forgiven. Alas, with just over one chance created and just one successful dribble per game, that side of his game hasn’t been good enough, either.
It’s a key role at Leeds, too. That No.10 position is a direct link to Calvert-Lewin and when the likes of Aaronson struggle, his service is likely to be cut off.
By handing the American the Illan Meslier treatment – alienating him from the picture this summer – Leeds will have the space to welcome an instant upgrade in one of the most influential areas of the pitch. It should be among their summer priorities.
So many sides have been caught out admiring their teams after securing survival, before the following season delivers some dire consequences. Leeds must not follow that path.
Becoming an established Premier League side is all about ruthlessness and that should see Aaronson shown the door this summer.
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