Leeds United secured a 2-1 win over Watford on Tuesday night at Elland Road for their second straight victory. However, Brenden Aaronson is receiving criticism despite the result.
After Leeds was relegated from the Premier League in 2023, the American player didn’t participate in the club’s first season in the Championship, where they fell short of promotion after losing the Championship Play-off Final to Southampton.
While at Union Berlin, Aaronson appeared in 38 matches, scoring two goals and providing two assists. However, it was a short stay for the U.S. native, as he returned to Leeds after the 2023-24 season.
Since returning this summer, the USMNT noted that he’s ready to redeem himself and become a prominent player for the Whites as they push for promotion to the Premier League next season.
“It is tough sometimes in moments, mentally and physically,” Aaronson told Sky Sports in September. “I have the drive; I know what I want to do this season. I knew I needed to come in and show my worth and show how good I can be. Coming in, I had to be confident and that is what I have tried to be. It is not easy but it has been made easier with the teammates and the coaching staff we have here.”
Brenden Aaronson receives criticism despite his goal
Aaronson was one of Leeds United’s goal-scorers in the win over Watford and although many would assume that the attacker had a quality performance, one pundit believes that the player still has question marks that he has yet to answer.
“He’s showed a lot of mental strength in coming back,” Simon Grayson said on BBC Radio Leeds. “Even against Portsmouth. Really energetic. A third goal which is good for a no.10, he brings something different to the team in terms of different no.10’s.
“Good energy, forward runs. One thing I’ve questioned about him is his end product, but he was cool and calm tonight. He’s showing what everyone expected of him when we bought him for the money did.”
Aaronson will have to continue to show that he is the No. 10 for this squad and that Leeds United don’t need to pursue one when the January window opens.
