Brenden Aaronson’s strong preseason with Leeds United has helped the American attacker bounce back from a tough FIFA World Cup.
Aaronson has appeared in just three preseason matches for Daniel Farke’s squad but delivered two goals and one assist over that span. The U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder was given a three-week break after his World Cup involvement which ate into part of Leeds’ U.S. tour.
Despite not taking the field since August 2, Aaronson made up for lost time by delivering a strong substitute outing vs. Liverpool. Aaronson helped spring a second-half comeback against the Reds by scoring the first of four Leeds United goals.
After Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalized for Leeds United later in the half, Aaronson teed up Sean Longstaff for the go-ahead goal in the match. Calvert-Lewin would ice the comeback result by scoring his second goal in Chicago.
Ten days later, Aaronson celebrated his second goal of the summer, slotting home against Manchester United at Croke park. The 25-year-old showed great skill and awareness in the box before stroking home into the bottom-left corner.
Three appearances, 100 minutes played, and three goal contributions should do wonders for Aaronson after a limited role at the World Cup, and he is still has one final match against Augsburg to come on Saturday.
Aaronson played just 77 minutes at the summer tournament and 95 minutes in total between the USMNT’s seven matches since the conclusion of last season. Normally one of the first names off the bench under former head coach Gregg Berhalter, Aaronson has found it tough to earn consistent minutes under Mauricio Pochettino, a storyline to watch heading into the September-October international windows.
Regardless of his USMNT position, Aaronson remains a key figure in the Leeds United squad, whether that is in the starting lineup or off of the bench. Aaronson delivered nine goal contributions last season and tied the second-most appearances of his career (42).
Farke looks ready to continue trusting Aaronson heading into the new EPL campaign and growing confidence could force Pochettino to keep a closer eye on the versatile attacker with USMNT matches to come this fall.
Leeds United’s August schedule will feature three matches against Nottingham Forest (both EPL and EFL Cup) as well as Brentford. Aaronson has six overall matches to help pad his stock, knowing that a strong start to the season could be vital in retaining his USMNT spot for the first post-World Cup window.
Source: Sbisoccer.com
