After losing four Premier League games in a row, it was vital that Daniel Farke made changes to his Leeds United squad to give the side the best chance of survival.
The 3-2 defeat against Manchester City saw the German switch to a 3-5-2 formation, something which the side have stuck with in each of the last three outings.
The Whites have remained unbeaten in such fixtures, even claiming a thoroughly deserved 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Elland Road at the start of December.
Draws against Liverpool and Brentford have moved the club three points clear of the relegation zone, with their fate now firmly in their own hands going into the Christmas period.
However, it could well be the end for one player in Yorkshire, especially considering the lack of action he’s endured over the last couple of weeks amid the formation change.
Brenden Aaronson’s struggles under Farke in 2025/26
Brenden Aaronson generated huge excitement at Leeds back in the summer of 2022, after the Leeds hierarchy forked out a reported £25m for his signature.
The American international has now racked up over a century of appearances in the White of the club, but he’s massively fallen below expectations in many of his outings.
He’s racked up nine starts in England’s top-flight this campaign, but has failed to start in any game in which the manager has utilised the new 3-5-2 formation.
The 25-year-old has only featured for a total of 43 minutes across the last four matches, with all of his first-team action coming off of the substitutes bench.
Aaronson featured for just 17 minutes in the recent clash, completing just six passes and failing to complete any of the crosses he attempted – showcasing his struggles in forward areas.
He also lost 100% of the duels he entered, whilst also committing a foul, with his small frame arguably a luxury rather than a necessity in the club’s hunt for survival.
The midfielder’s time on the pitch is no doubt likely to continue declining over the coming months, which could potentially lead to a winter exit away from Yorkshire.
The Leeds star who could now be on borrowed time under Farke
After spending over £100m on new additions during the summer window, it was always going to be a case of numerous players from the promotion-winning campaign dropping down the pecking order.
Joel Piroe is arguably the biggest example, with the Dutchman ending the previous campaign on 19 goals – the highest of any player within England’s second tier.
However, he’s featured in just eight league games this season, with only two of which coming from a starting role, subsequently highlighting his decline in minutes throughout 2025/26.
The striker isn’t alone in that department, with central midfielder Ilia Gruev another player who has been unable to replicate his best form from the previous year.
The Bulgarian joined the Whites in a £5m deal from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2023, subsequently racking up 60 appearances in his first two years in Yorkshire.
Whilst he struggled with injuries last season, he still managed to make 25 league appearances in 2024/25 – even managing to register two assists in the process.
However, like Aaronson and Piroe, the investment in his position has made competition for places that little bit harder, with the manager still now opting with a three-man midfield.
The arrivals of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff have only pushed Gruev further down the pecking order, as seen by his recent lack of action under Farke in the Premier League.
Games played
8
Matches started
4
Minutes played
389
Duels won
3.7
Aerials won
33%
Dribbled past
1.2
Interceptions made
0.9
Chances created
0.4
He’s only started four times to date, but has also made four substitute appearances in such time, subsequently taking his tally of minutes this season to just 389.
It’s a huge contrast from the previous season, especially after the manager himself labelled the 25-year-old as a “top player” – but ultimately, Farke has to do what’s best for the club.
When Gruev has had the chance to impress, he’s often struggled to match expectations, as seen by his measly tally of just 3.7 duels won per 90 – subsequently ranking him in the bottom 18% of midfielders in the league.
Other tallies, like 0.4 chances created and 1.2 times dribbled past per 90, showcase his all-round struggles in England’s top-flight, with the manager no doubt making the right call in dropping Gruev.
With January on the horizon, it would be a surprise to no one if the Bulgarian international were to depart Elland Road in the hunt for more consistent first-team minutes.
He and Aaronson could well find themselves closer to the exit door in the coming months, with both players evidently not at the level required for success in the Premier League.
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