Leeds United take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this afternoon with another chance to move past their Premier League defeat.
Daniel Farke’s men are currently three points clear of the relegation zone, and their ability to stay in England’s top flight is now in their own hands.
However, a run of four league games without a win will no doubt be cause for concern, allowing the rearguard to close the gap on previous weeks.
A defeat to Sunderland at Elland Road will be very painful, especially if the visitors get all three points with just one shot.
If the Whites are to right the wrongs of such a performance, Farke will have to ditch one player who failed to live up to expectations in the defeat in Yorkshire.
Why Farke must drop Aaronson against Crystal Palace
Throughout the 2025/26 campaign so far, attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson has been the most prolific player in Leeds’ final third.
The American currently sits on seven combined goals and assists in the league so far, with only Dominic Calvert-Lewin registering more this season.
However, his recent performance against Sunderland was one to forget, as the 25-year-old fell well short of his self-imposed high standards.
Aaronson played 74 minutes, but he was able to complete 65% of the passes, and gave the hosts 16 times.
The American player also failed to create opportunities for those around him, when he could not shoot the ball running or the crosses he was trying to attack.
Aaronson also managed to win just 50% of ground and aerial contests against the Black Cats, as the visitors pocketed him at Elland Road.
The player who should replace Aaronson against Palace
There is little denying that Aaronson has resurrected his career at Elland Road in recent months, and the American has been tasked with producing goods in the Premier League once again.
The Whites need someone to step up and produce in this campaign, with fan favorite Raphinha a player the club can no longer rely on.
During the Whites’ past in England’s top flight, the Brazilian played a key role in the final third, as seen by his impressive performances in Yorkshire.
The 29-year-old registered 17 goals and 12 assists during two years at Elland Road, before being sold for a club-record £55m to join Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
No doubt Farke will wish he could rely on such talent this season, but he could unleash his own version of a striker in the form of Daniel James.
Like Raphinha, the Welsh international has captured the hearts of Yorkshire fans, and his absence has been felt over the past few months.
The 28-year-old missed two months in the big game due to injury, before returning to the first team six weeks ago, making four substitute appearances.
However, James is a player who could play a big role in the coming months, with the midfielder deserving of a chance to return to the playing eleven this afternoon.
The new substitute against Sunderland was a testament to his quality in attacking areas, even showing shades of Raphinha during the process.
The Welshman played just 16 minutes in the defeat, but managed to make two runs – blasting past the opposition as Brazil did in Yorkshire.
He also completed two crosses in the process, and even registered two touches in the penalty area of the opposition, which would allow an additional attacking threat against the Eagles.
|
Dan James – stats against Sunderland |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Mathematics |
|
Minutes played |
16 |
|
To touch |
19 |
|
Pass accuracy |
80% |
|
Opportunities are created |
2 |
|
Dribbles are finished |
2 |
|
The crosses are finished |
2 |
|
Duels won |
67% |
|
It touches in the 18 yard box |
2 |
There’s little denying that James hasn’t been able to deliver consistently this term, but he’s still a player who can make an impact in the final third.
His latest cameo deserves to start this afternoon, as Aaronson desperately needs to make a way to allow the striker to return to the starting 11.
If he can repeat his contributions off the bench against the Black Cats today, there is no reason why he can’t have a say in the result and give the Whites the perfect opportunity to extend their gap in the relegation zone.
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