Leeds United have endured a meteoric rise over the last couple of years, with Daniel Farke leading the club to a remarkable pushback up the Premier League.

This time two years ago, the Whites were fighting their way for Championship promotion, but it’s safe to say the club are in a much healthier position in the present day.

After fending off relegation last campaign, the manager has led the club to a fifth-place standing in England’s top-flight after the first international break of the season.

However, the club could easily be positioned in a better place had the manager decided against continuously using one player in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Why Farke desperately needs to drop Brenden Aaronson

Over the last couple of years, during his tenure as manager Farke has constantly decided to utilise attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson as part of his starting eleven.

The American international has amassed 96 appearances since the German’s appointment, but has only managed to score 14 times during the aforementioned outings.

Even when providing chances for his teammates, the 25-year-old has failed to deliver, subsequently only laying on seven assist - an average of one every 13 matches he’s played.

In 2026/27, Aaronson has featured in all five of the Whites’ league outings, but once again has been called into question over his lack of impact within attacking areas.

The midfielder has only completed 71% of the passes he’s attempted, which has subsequently ranked him below 85% of other players in the division.

With the ball at his feet is arguably where he’s been weakest, as the attacking midfielder has failed to create a single chance - something which is unacceptable for a number ten.

How Leeds can finally replace Aaronson

With the transfer window closed until January, Farke will have to rely upon the players at his disposal to help the club mount a charge for the European places.

Summer arrivals Harry Wilson and Jean-Matteo Bahoya have both struggled to make the desired impact at Elland Road, with the latter only appearing for a single minute to date.

Both are hugely talented options available for the manager, but it remains to be seen how much of a senior role he will hand them throughout the current campaign.

The other option for the German is to dip into the club’s academy system, which could see 19-year-old Harvey Vincent handed a chance to star in the first-team.

The attacker has enjoyed a steady rise within the academy system in Yorkshire, and has become a key member of the U21 side over the last couple of years.

He’s spent the last three seasons at such an age group, but it’s his form in the current campaign which has seen him receive huge praise for his displays.

Vincent has already featured nine times for such an age group this campaign and has arguably been the most consistent performer within Scott Gardner’s outfit.

The teenager has racked up two goals and five assists within his nine outings to date, with four of his contributions coming in this season’s edition of the Premier League 2.

As a result of his performances over recent weeks, the attacker has been nominated for the division’s Player of the Month award - further showcasing his superb quality.

Vincent has created the most opportunities of any player within the U21 squad this campaign, highlighting his ability to provide the needed success in attacking areas.

Such an asset is something which Aaronson simply hasn’t been able to provide of late, which should see the manager hand the youngster the chance to impress in the senior squad.

It’s still early days into the 2026/27 campaign, but it’s clear that Aaronson is no longer at the level required for success in the Premier League this season.

As a result, the manager desperately needs to explore other options at his disposal, with youngster Vincent one player who is deserving of a chance to showcase his talent in the first team.