'Incredible': Leeds coach says he's blown away by 22-year-old midfielder in training

By Ben Evans

Leeds United fans will have to wait nearly a week until they return to Premier League action.

They host Manchester City on the 28^th, missing out on the traditional Boxing Day fixture.

Coach Rene Maric has been speaking to Leeds Live about how the squad’s preparations are going.

Only a handful of Jesse Marsch’s side were in Qatar for the World Cup, which the American will be pleased about.

He’s already used the mid-season break to promote one exciting youngster permanently to the senior squad.

Leeds fell to a 4-2 defeat to AS Monaco yesterday, with Robin Koch and Joe Gelhardt scoring the goals.

It was hardly a sign of the team Marsch will hope to pick next week, with a number of senior players unavailable.

He gave the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Sam Greenwood 90 minutes of action which will certainly help their cause.

Midfielder Brenden Aaronson also returned to the side after being at the World Cup with the USA.

And Maric has said he’s been really impressed with Aaronson in training since returning from Qatar.

Aaronson performing well in Leeds training

Maric was asked about the American playmaker by Leeds Live, and was very complimentary.

“He’s a great boy. Training always at a very high intensity,” Maric said.

“Physical output is incredible. He adapted very quickly after not playing much at the WC. Very happy with the progress he is making.”

Aaronson was limited to cameo roles in Qatar, but has already established himself as one of Marsch’s most important players.

He’s started every league game this season, and scored in Leeds’ impressive 3-0 win over Chelsea in August.

Marsch will want him to add more goals and assists to his game, but that will come as he continues to adapt to English football.

Aaronson’s quality in training has been spotted by his teammates, with Pascal Struijk already impressed.

There’s already been talk of Liverpool potentially being interested in Aaronson such is his immediate impact at Elland Road.

The 22-year-old would be wise to continue working on his game at Leeds where he’s guaranteed plenty of game time.

Leeds need all of their players focused on the task in hand with Marsch hoping to guide his side away from a relegation scrap when they return to action.