Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson has enjoyed a healthy international break so far with the US Men’s National Team.
Mauricio Pochettino was appointed the new USMNT coach in September and he managed his first game over the weekend.
Aaronson started the game and helped the US beat Panama 2-0 in a friendly encounter, with Mexico up next in Guadalajara.
This is a great chance for the Leeds star to take his game to the next level under a coach who has managed right at the top.
As you can imagine, there are huge exceptions with Pochettino in the dugout, especially with America due to host the 2026 World Cup.
Aaronson started in the midfield, alongside main man Christian Pulisic, with the Leeds attacker playing just over 70 minutes and being involved in his side’s opening goal.
Given that the USMNT have Pochettino in the dugout, the style of play is going to be one to watch out for and if he can bring a more free-flowing style to the team.
After Pochettino’s first game in charge, it was an instant talking point as Alejandro Moreno discussed on US-based ESPN.
The former MLS striker highlighted how the US played in the build-up to their opening goal and the ‘combination play’ between Aaronson and Pulisic.
Moreno added that if Aaronson and Co. can continue with that level of play and intensity over a longer period, then ‘we are cooking’.
Brenden Aaronson helps Mauricio Pochettino win first game in charge of USMNT
“It’s a B, or B+ performance from the United States,” said Moreno. “I was expecting a whole lot more energy and urgency because it is a new manager and a new era.
“From the Brenden Aaronson chance and beyond that, we started seeing a different type of urgency from the United States, pressuring higher up the field, different type of energy and intensity. That carried on into the second half.
“What I would say is that if the United States were able to bottle up what they did for the goal, the combination play for the goal, then we are cooking. Then we are talking. You get your two attacking midfielders that were playing in central areas Brenden Aaronson and Christian Pulisic to combine inside the 18-yard box, with a little give-and-go action, then of course, your far-side midfielder recognising a moment in which he now becomes the number nine and the option inside the 18-yard box. He goes and finishes. That was a high-quality goal. That is something very positive and something to build on.”
Brenden Aaronson needs to take his game to the next level
It’s time for the Jesse Marsch signing to perform and prove his worth because he has a lot of critics out there.
Remember, Aaronson was signed when Leeds were in the Premier League, so there will be no excuses now he is trying to help the club earn promotion from the Championship.
READ MORE: Samu Omorodion and Junior Firpo impressed by Leeds United star on international duty
Working with Pochettino at the intentional level will help Aaronson because he is working with the right type of coach to take his game to the next level.
Either way, like for Daniel Farke, it’s promotion or bust this season, with the small matter of Sheffield United up next for Leeds when domestic football returns.
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