Leeds United working on 'incredible' weapon as warning sent to Premier League rivals amid Arsenal example
Leeds United are expected to make the most of their set-piece opportunities again next season.
Leeds United’s long throws will be an even bigger weapon next season with Ethan Ampadu able to launch the ball further and harder, insists Brenden Aaronson.
The Whites made good use of their captain’s arm last season, regularly filling opposition penalty areas and treating throw-ins like a corner. The tactic proved particularly effective against Crystal Palace in December when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored two almost identical first-half goals in a 4-1 win.
History repeated itself in pre-season on Sunday, with Ampadu launching balls into the box and Calvert-Lewin twice benefitting. The striker drifted into space at the back post to finish flicked headers from Joe Rodon and then Sebastiaan Bornauw as Leeds came from behind to beat Liverpool 4-2.
Aaronson was also on the scoresheet in Chicago, halving Liverpool’s two-goal advantage with a smart finish early in the second-half. And the American had a warning for those Premier League rivals preparing to face Leeds and their dangerous throw-ins.
“Ethan came back and started throwing it about 20 yards further and 20 yards harder, I don’t know, it’s incredible,” Aaronson told reporters in a video posted on X by @PaulMBanks. “He’s got an unbelievable throw.
“Dom is someone that in the box, he’s a poacher. He’s unbelievable at getting on the end of things. That also goes for the guys that didn’t get the goal but flick it on. We do work on it, we put a lot of time into set-pieces because they’re big.
“Look at Arsenal last year. I don’t think they scored every goal to win the league off that but a lot were set-pieces so it’s something to get better at.”
Brenden Aaronson on Leeds United and USA connection
Aaronson’s goal will have been particularly special, given it came in his home country. The attacking midfielder endured a frustrating World Cup homecoming on the fringes of the USA squad and looked like someone with a point to prove on Sunday.
Victory over Liverpool capped off a three-game US tour in which Leeds won twice against Premier League opposition - also beating Sunderland. It also gave Aaronson and his teammates a chance to connect with a growing fanbase across the Atlantic Ocean.
“I mean it’s amazing,” Aaronson added. “To have the fan support when you come over here and you saw as many Leeds fans as I saw, it’s amazing.
“Normally it’s just the big clubs, like Liverpool, the guys that have had success over the last 10 years, Liverpool, Man City, like these clubs, but then to see Leeds United is up there too - it’s amazing to see, and it’s amazing to be part of this club.”