Brenden Aaronson didn’t get any minutes in the United States’ first two World Cup group games, but started against Turkey in the final game on Thursday night.
With the United States already through to the final 32 of the competition, the pressure was off the home team, and Mauricio Pochettino rotated his team to allow a few fringe players to play.
Aaronson started on the left of the US attack on Thursday night, and the home team suffered an embarrassing defeat against Turkey, who were already knocked out of the competition.
The Leeds star’s performance came under real scrutiny as he is one of the most high-profile players who regularly play in the Premier League and the local media has been brutal in their assessment of the attacking midfielder.
United States media hammers Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson missed a golden opportunity in front of goal while struggling to create chances and lacked the final product in the attacking third.
NBC Sports rated the 25-year-old’s performance a 5/10 and wrote: “Butchered a prime chance to make it 3-2 and that pretty much sums up the day for the Leeds United energy man.”
The opportunity he missed against Turkey with the goal gaping has also come under fire from several observers.
USA Today also rated him as 5/10 and wrote: “Everyone knows Aaronson brings energy to the team.
“What he lacks is final product, and that once again proved to be true as he missed an open goal on a rebound and failed to connect on some important passes going forward.”
ESPN’s player ratings reflected Aaronson’s difficult outing, giving him a 4/10. Matt Turner was the only player to score lower, with a 3/10.
They wrote: “There were a few moments when he facilitated some attacks and even earned a corner within the first 30 minutes.
“But he also had times when he struggled to carve a place for himself. An example of that came in the 71st when he had the ball on the edge of the box before losing possession.”
Leeds have a decision to make
Aaronson has a year left on his contract, and there is no sign of the club starting talks over a new deal with his representatives this summer.
Leeds need to decide whether it is worth offering him a new contract or finding a way to move him on in the ongoing transfer window.
They would not want him to run down his contract and leave on a free transfer next season, so a decision needs to be made in the coming weeks.
The impending arrival of Harry Wilson could impact Aaronson’s place in the team, as the Welshman can play the free attacking midfielder’s role behind a striker.
Leeds are also chasing Julian Brandt, who could almost certainly push Aaronson down the pecking order in the squad next season.
