Rasmus Kristensen explains how ‘incredible’ Brenden Aaronson can revolutionise Leeds under Jesse Marsch

Rasmus Kristensen has backed fellow new Leeds United signing Brenden Aaronson to light up Jesse Marsch’s team and the Premier League.

Former RB Salzburg midfielder Aaronson is one of the marquee arrivals at Elland Road, despite only being 21. Indeed, the Whites must prove their midfield credentials this season without Kalvin Phillips.

They did so for large parts of last season because of injury, but the England star’s Manchester City move means there is a more permanent hole to fill.

Right-back Kristensen has also moved to Leeds this summer and has backed USA international Aaronson to impress.

“As you’ve seen in the game, he’s able to play in really tight spaces and he has an incredible touch and technique,” Kristensen told Leeds Live of the new midfield recruit.

“He has a really good feeling about what’s going on around him and then he’s able to make the last pass or make the last action to score the goal.

“He will definitely bring some of his creativity and I feel like Brenden is not the biggest guy, but he’s one of the toughest that I know.

“He’s not afraid of anything and he runs his a*** off every game. I think that’s one of his qualities, he’s an offensive technical player but he has that working hard mentality, it’s really appreciated.”

Kristensen loving Leeds life

Denmark star Kristensen, meanwhile, claimed his Leeds journey so far is living up to the early promises “and more”.

“There’s still some improvement, I’m almost there with the fitness” he said. “It’s more just the timing in games, the touches, the passes, the tactics and mechanisms of the game that we need to get back into full rhythm.

“There’s still some way to go but that’s why we have a pre-season.”

Leeds beat Blackpool 4-0 in their first friendly before winning 2-1 against Brisbane Roar. Following a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, Leeds play Crystal Palace on Friday before facing Cagliari next Sunday.

They then head straight into the new Premier League season, with Wolves up first at Elland Road.

Marsch preparing for exciting season

Leeds have plenty of reasons to feel excited ahead of the new season. Still, they have more work to do in the transfer window.

Indeed, it is not only Aaronson who has bolstered manager Marsch’s midfield. Fellow American Tyler Adams and ex-Bayern Munich man Marc Roca are further reinforcements.

Up front, meanwhile, Luis Sinisterra has replaced Barcelona-bound Raphinha up top. The Colombian is fresh from 23 goals and 14 assists for Feyenoord last season.

But Leeds could do with a striker, with Charles de Ketelaere and Arnaud Kalimuendo both targeted.

Nevertheless, the fact that former RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig boss Marsch is bringing in who he knows best is an exciting sign of his plans for next season.