Before the season started, Brenden Aaronson had no idea if he would be in Leeds United’s plans this season. A lot of talk went down in the summer about the club potentially replacing the American in the team.
Aaronson was on the end of a lot of criticism even when he was part of the attack that scored 95 goals on their way to winning promotion. But the midfielder went through pre-season, where Daniel Farke tried him in new position. The midfielder barely had any meaningful playing time at the start of the campaign, before Leeds faced Fulham.
Farke deployed him in the right wing role he tested him in during pre-season. And even though the Whites lost the match, Aaronson kept his place in the team. Leeds then went on a run of results where they beat Wolves, held Bournemouth to a draw and narrowly lost to Spurs before the international break. It was clear that the midfielder’s addition to the side was playing a key role.
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US media praise Leeds United man after New Zealand game
Brenden Aaronson Credit: Imago
Brenden Aaronson continued this form into the international break. Though he did not feature when the USA faced Ecuador, he did play in the New Zealand game. The midfielder came off the bench, and had a brilliant 26 minute cameo. Aaronson completed 16 of his 18 passes; created two chances including a big chance.
And completed 100% of his dribbles. He also won three of his four ground duels in a performance that earned plaudits. GOAL rated him 7/10 with the summary: “It looked like a big moment passed him by, but Aaronson picked out Luna for what could have been, and arguably should have been, a goal – decent work from the Leeds midfielder,”
Pro Soccer Wire, in their brief analysis, said that the midfielder showed he has a place under Pochettino.
“He immediately did superbly to carve out a chance for Luna, who couldn’t punch home from inside the six-yard box. It’s a crowded position, but Aaronson showed he belongs in the mix in limited minutes.”
Brenden Aaronson has rediscovered himself
The midfielder has gone from a player who was not sure if he would even be involved this season, to flourishing for club and country. Though he is yet to score a goal this season, he has made it his personal aim to be more productive this year.
”I’m really happy with the performances I’ve put in, maybe I haven’t got the stats I think I should be getting, but that’s football.”
