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‘Proved ineffective’ – Leeds star earns mixed praise after USMNT draw vs. New Zealand

IMAGO / USA TODAY Network

Leeds United standout Brenden Aaronson was with the United States national team over the FIFA international break, playing in the final friendly of the window against New Zealand.

Aaronson played 66 minutes in Tuesday’s contest for an underperforming match for the Americans, who drew 1-1. The 23-year-old had 53 total touches in the contest, recording 27 of 34 passes for 79 percent completion percentage.

The Leeds ace added two total shots in the game and the player had one key pass in the match but didn’t register a goal or an assist. AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic provided the only goal for the Americans in the draw.

Brenden Aaronson receives mixed criticism for friendly performance

A draw on home soil against a national team of New Zealand’s caliber led to criticism of the Americans, who played their last match before the arrival of new manager Mauricio Pochettino. Soccer America (via MOT Leeds News) gave Aaronson’s performance a 3/10 rating.

“The high-gear play of Brenden Aaronson, the most attack-minded of the midfield trio, proved ineffective against a packed New Zealand defense.

“Cracking that required clever play in tight spaces, which doesn’t seem to be his forte, as when he shot into a defender in the penalty area instead of showing some patience. Aaronson was chopped down badly with a yellow-card foul from Alex Rufer when he embarked on a spectacular dribble from the USA’s half.

“He followed it up with one of his two poorly hit free kicks. Shortly before being subbed, Aaronson had the USA’s best chance at goal. But with plenty of the net to aim at, he shot well within keeper Max Crocombe’s reach.”

Nonetheless, it wasn’t all criticism toward Aaronson as GOAL provided a much more positive analysis of the player in the match against New Zealand, giving the midfielder a 7/10 rating.

“Got beat up a bunch by New Zealand, particularly in the first half. Put himself in positions where defenders simply had to foul him, which is a credit to how good he was with and without the ball. Had one good chance at goal, too, but it was saved by Max Crocombe.”

Now, the Pochettino era is underway, and it will be interesting to see how Aaronson fits into his plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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