I’ve got to admit, I had my doubts about Brenden Aaronson before the season kicked off. I thought he had done enough to deserve to stick around, though I figured that Daniel Farke saw him as more of a squad player.
Obviously, with both Daniel James and Willy Gnonto being injured we were a bit short, but Aaronson I think, has more than taken his chance.
He’s looked sharp over his last few games and I think has progressively improved. Granted, he’s missed a few chances, but there is no doubt he’s having a growing influence on our performances.
Finally, last night against West Ham, he got his goal and, I have to say, it has definitely been coming. While it was just a tap-in, he was in the right place at the right time to react to a loose ball the quickest and made up for his miss against Burnley last week.
His Goal Wasn’t The Best Part Of His Performance
While it was great that he scored – and in the third minute as well (an early goal is always good), I was more impressed by his all-round performance. There is an argument though, that the goal gave him the confidence and suddenly, he was playing with even more freedom, looking like he was really enjoying himself.
At times, he was unplayable. Although he’s been playing on the right (he is more suited to a 10 role), he certainly took the initiative to make it hard for the Hammers. There was one moment in the second half when he picked it up in our own half centrally and drove past a few players, demonstrating great close ball control, before unleashing a long range shot which deflected off the crossbar.#
This ability to drift and go past players I think, will make him unpredictable for opponents in the coming weeks and he definitely could be somewhat of a secret weapon. Obviously, Farke likes him. He certainly looks a different player to when we were last in the Premier League; he’s more aware, less naive and the physical side of his game is improving considerably. He doesn’t get knocked off the ball as easy.
His Improvement Gives Farke A Nice Headache
What I’m liking now, is that, in those attacking midfield/wide positions, we seem to have good quality – a bit more depth would come in useful, though, certainly compared to some squads in the Premier League; the Hammers, no doubt, we have handy players.
Daniel James will be great for us when he’s fit again – his pace gives us a different dimension so for Farke, certainly, deciding who to play out of the Welshman and Aaronson might be a tough one.
Similarly on the other side. Jack Harrison is gradually reintegrating himself back into the side. He might not have earned the forgiveness of every fan yet, but he’s started to show glimpses of what he’s capable of. Obviously, Gnonto can do a job, while new boy Noah Okafor is proving just how good he can be for us with each passing week – his versatility certainly provides options, though I think he’s better on the left, rather than as a striker.
For me though, I think now Aaronson has opened his account, it will do wonders for his confidence and I can see him transitioning into an important player for us as the season unfolds.
