Leeds United forward Brenden Aaronson has been named in Mauricio Pochettino’s first United States National Team squad. This announcement comes right after Ao Tanaka’s inclusion into Japan’s National Team squad for the October international break.
Having made nine appearances for The 49ers this season, Aaronson has been a regular at Elland Road. The American footballer has contributed 2 goals and an assist overall this season.
Brenden has been included in the starting XI 75% of the time and has a 23% goal contribution so far. Aaronson’s journey in the Leeds United squad this season has been nothing short of surprising.
Following his return from Union Berlin after a season-long loan, the American’s role at Elland Road was very ambiguous. The 23-year-old forward was also linked to many clubs this summer window but he decided to stay nevertheless.
A flying start to the season pushed Aaronson into the spotlight which helped him gain a regular spot on the team. He won the August Player of the Month as he closed the monthly books with two goals alongside impressive performances.
Brenden’s assist came against Cardiff City where The Whites won 2-0 away from home at the Cardiff City Stadium. His selection into the national team further proves his quality by being in favour of one of the most adaptive managers in modern football.
The injury crisis and international break
Leeds United is in for a ride this October. An injury crisis coupled with the international break might not be the best combination they would have hoped for.
Ao Tanaka and Brenden Aaronson will be playing a key role for their respective national teams. Leeds United fans will hope that both of them return in playing condition.
Midfielder Ilia Gruev is scheduled to undergo surgery and will possibly be out for months. Ethan Ampadu is expected to return in January as the midfielder picked up a knee injury against Coventry.
Both these midfielders were a key part of the Leeds United midfield. Following Ampadu’s setback, Daniel Farke hoped to use Ao Tanaka with Ilia Gruev in the middle but the latter suffered a blow against Norwich City.
Both Tanaka and Aaronson have very important roles at Elland Road. An international break injury will further deepen the woes in West Yorkshire.
Pochettino’s initial matches as the national team head coach will be against 37th-ranked Panama and 17th-ranked Mexico. The Panama clash is scheduled at home in Texas whereas the USMNT fly to Guadalajara, Mexico for their clash against El Tricolor.