As the season approaches its critical final stretch, Leeds United finds itself in a precarious position, with recent form mirroring the struggles of their attackers on the pitch. Under the stewardship of manager Daniel Farke, the woes of Leeds are evident through their attacking options, particularly with the noticeable decline in form from American midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
In the current year, 2025, Leeds’ four-man attacking unit combined of Joel Piroe, Manor Solomon, Daniel James and Aaronson has been under scrutiny. While Piroe, Solomon, and James have managed impactful performances at times, it has been Aaronson who raised the most eyebrows with his disappointing output, contributing only a single goal this season. This latest statistic has raised concerns among the Elland Road supporters, many of whom are advocating for Farke to explore alternative options.
With Leeds sitting at the top of the Championship table, their position is being endangered by Sheffield United and Burnley’s resurgence. Consequently, the push for improvement has led fans to spotlight Wilfried Gnonto, calling for him to replace Aaronson following a promising cameo against Queens Park Rangers. Although in recent matches, Aaronson has been defended by Farke primarily for his work rate and pressing, doubts remain over his creativity and influence on the game.
Kris Smith, a notable Leeds pundit, voiced frustrations over the situation, expressing, “I don't think it is harsh to suggest that Wilfried Gnonto's 45 minutes off the bench against QPR were better than anything Brenden Aaronson has produced in 2025, despite being an undisputed starter during that time.”
Gnonto has displayed a level of technical skill and creativity significantly lacking from Aaronson's game. His contributions in the QPR match, from his first touch winning a foul to a crucial assist for the equalizer, highlights the potential for him to significantly impact the team during the remaining matches. “That pass isn’t something I recall seeing at all from Aaronson in a Leeds shirt,” Smith critiques, underscoring the pressing need for a change.
Time is still on Gnonto’s side, with eight matches remaining in the season. His current minutes-per-goal contribution rate stands at an impressive 173 minutes, maintaining a reasonable production peak that could offer a turnaround in Leeds' fortunes.
Looking beyond striking issues, another pivotal player for Leeds this season has been Daniel James. Now solidified as a key starter under Farke, James has begun 55 of the 72 Championship games available to him, registering an impressive total of 10 goals and 9 assists. His consistency has earned him a noteworthy accolade, marking him as the first Welshman to register double figures in back-to-back seasons since the legendary John Charles nearly seven decades ago. “It’s always an honor to be put in a category like that,” said James, reflecting on the team's achievements and momentum as they approach a critical juncture in the Championship.
“The confidence I take from club football into international football is so important,” he continued, emphasizing the synergy between his club and international commitments as Wales gears up for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Adding to Leeds' dynamic is Junior Firpo, who has undergone a transformation in stature this season. Once regarded with skepticism, Firpo's role has evolved to include a critical attacking presence, having been involved in 12 goals this season, currently ranking among the top contributors on the team. Despite having faced challenges in past seasons, Firpo has garnered affection from fans, with his chants ringing loud in Elland Road.
As he stands on the brink of contract discussions, Firpo’s future at Leeds remains uncertain. Following a tumultuous previous season and with suitors from Spain interested in his signature, including signings that promise to reignite his career, promotion to the Premier League could dictate his decision. Firpo's recent resurgence aligns closely with Farke’s tactics, which emphasize attacking versatility and exploitation of defensive weaknesses.”I keep telling him he’s not a No 10, but he wants to prove me wrong because, for his home country, he plays as a No 10,” Farke commented while highlighting Firpo's determination and adaptability.
Additionally, the new Bulgarian signing Ilia Gruev, who recently earned recognition as the second-best Bulgarian player for 2024, has had a mixed experience during his tenure at Leeds, marred by injury yet exhibiting moments of brilliance. Gruev, contracted until 2027, clearly delineated his ambitions, stating, “the goal now is clearly to get promoted with Leeds. The Premier League would be an absolute dream for me.” He acknowledges the importance of his relationship with Farke, who, he believes, has successfully instilled a philosophy that is already evident on the pitch.
As the promotion race heats up in the final stretch of the season, Farke faces an uphill task balancing the squad and revitalizing performances at both the individual and team levels. As fans clamour for Gnonto’s inclusion and question Aaronson's starting status, the spotlight also shines on how Farke can maximize the talents at his disposal, including Firpo and maintaining the momentum of James. Supporters await the return of their team, not only to secure their Championship status but possibly with aspirations of a Premier League return, too.
In these crucial final fixtures, Leeds United's fate hangs in the balance, weighed down by both a desperate need for improvement and the promise each player brings to the pitch. Whether it be through Gnonto’s potential breakthrough or James leading the charge, the focus will remain firmly on Farke and how he can steer this Leeds side through to the finish line.
