Leeds United take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this afternoon in search of a chance to move further out of the Premier League’s relegation zone.
Daniel Farke’s side currently sit three points clear of the drop zone and their ability to stay in England’s top flight is now firmly in their hands.
However, their current run of four league games without a win is certainly a cause for concern, after which they have allowed subsequent teams to close the gap in recent weeks.
The loss to Sunderland at Elland Road will definitely be a blow, especially considering the visitors took all three points with their only shot on target.
If the Whites are to right the wrongs of such a performance, Farke will need to remove one player who did not live up to expectations in the defeat in Yorkshire.
Why Farke has to take Aaronson off against Crystal Palace
Throughout the 2025/26 season so far, attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson has often featured in Leeds’ final third.
The United States international currently has a total of seven goals and assists in league games so far, with only Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring more goals this season.
However, his recent performance against Sunderland was certainly one to forget, with the 25-year-old falling well short of the high standards he has set for himself.
Aaronson played a total of 74 minutes, but completed only 65% of his attempted passes and was given the ball back by the hosts 16 times.
The American international was unable to complete any dribbles or crosses he attempted in the attacking area, nor was he able to create chances for those around him.
Aaronson also won only 50 per cent of the ground and air battles he faced the Black Cats, and were heavily hounded by the visitors at Elland Road.
Who should replace Aaronson against Palace?
There’s little denying that Aaronson has revived his career at Elland Road in recent months, with the American tasked with delivering once again in the Premier League.
Los Blancos needed someone to step up and produce the goods this season, but Raphinha, a former fan favorite, is a player the team can no longer rely on.
During Los Blancos’ previous spell in England’s top flight, the Brazilian played a key role within the final third, as evidenced by his incredible goalscoring in Yorkshire.
The 29-year-old scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in his two years at Elland Road before joining Barcelona in the summer of 2022 after being sold for a club-record £55m.
Farke will no doubt be hoping to rely on such talent this season, but could also unleash his own version of a forward in the form of Daniel James.
Like Raphinha, the Wales international has also captured the hearts of the Yorkshire fanbase, but his absence has been greatly felt in recent months.
The 28-year-old missed more than two months of first-team action due to injury, but has returned to the squad in the last six weeks and has since made four substitute appearances.
But James is certainly a player who could play a big role in the coming months, and the winger deserves a chance to break back into the starting eleven this afternoon.
His recent appearance as a substitute against Sunderland was evidence of the quality he possesses in attacking areas, even showing shades of Raphinha in the process.
The Welshman played just 16 minutes in the defeat, but made two successful dribbles and breezed past his opponents, much like the Brazilian did against Yorkshire.
He also completed two crosses and had two touches inside the opposition penalty area in the process, which could add to the attacking threat against the Eagles.
Dan James – Stats against Sunderland | |
|---|---|
statistics | tally |
Play time (minutes) | 16 |
touch | 19 |
Pass accuracy | 80% |
An opportunity has arisen | 2 |
Dribbling completed | 2 |
completed cross | 2 |
won a duel | 67% |
Touch inside the 18 yard box | 2 |
There’s little denying that James hasn’t been as consistent this season, but he’s still a player who can make an impact in the final third.
His recent cameo certainly deserves a start this afternoon, and Aaronson desperately needs to make way to allow the attacker to return to the starting eleven.
If he can replicate the impact he had coming off the bench against the Black Cats today, there is no reason he can’t have a say in the result and give Los Blancos a golden opportunity to extend their lead into the drop zone.
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