Leeds United star Brenden Aaronson began life under Mauricio Pochettino by helping the USMNT to a 2-0 friendly win over Panama.
The former Premier League boss, who has signed to become America’s coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup, started Aaronson in his first match and left some big names on the bench.
Leeds United flop Weston McKennie, who has actually made a strong start to life at Juventus this season, was on the bench and an unused substitute, with Aaronson starting as a ten.
The Leeds theme continued there because, in the opposite dugout, Thomas Christiansen is the Panama manager after taking the gig in 2020.
Christiansen was in the Elland Road dugout once upon a time and was brought in by former owner Andrea Radrizzani in 2017 to replace Garry Monk.
Nonetheless, as mentioned above, Aaronson started the match, lasted 78 minutes and was even hauled off after some big guns.
Christian Pulisic has been one of the best players in Serie A this term, he assisted the opening goal, but was taken off before Leeds’ attacking midfielder.
Yes, it’s a friendly match, but it’s an early positive sign for the highly energetic midfielder still trying to find his feet in his career.
How Brenden Aaronson was rated in Mauricio Pochettino’s first game in charge of the USMNT after win over Panama
Let’s first take a look at Goal, who handed him a rating of just six out of ten, hailed the player’s ‘energy’ and ‘pressing’ levels and how Pochettino will love that.
‘Got in alone a few minutes before halftime, but saw his shot saved. As usual, a lot of energy and pressing, which is something the new coach will surely appreciate,’ wrote Goal.
Then NBC Sports were on a similar road as they rated Aaronson 6.5 and mentioned how he was ‘anxious’ at times.
‘Typically frenetic, at times anxious, but ran his shorts off and had some fantastic moments on the dribble and in distribution,’ wrote NBC.
Brenden Aaronson is yet to win over the Leeds fans
You sense there is a proportion of Leeds fans that Aaronson is still trying to win over and only promotion would do.
Remember, when the 23-year-old first joined, he arrived as a Premier League player, so it’s time to consistently showcase that quality.
READ MORE: Five former Leeds United players from way back who are still playing today
Georginio Rutter dominated the Championship with Leeds, so in that sense, there are big shoes to fill in Yorkshire.
The pressure will only increase after each game, but Aaronson should know, guide the club back to the promised land and his status will be cemented forever in Leeds’ rich history.
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