News prior to Leeds United’s draw with QPR on Saturday came as a shock, as Brenden Aaronson was surprisingly left out of the United States squad by manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Perhaps it affected Aaronson on Saturday, as the playmaker struggled once again. Having impressed in the win over Millwall, Aaronson retained his place on Saturday but immediately made a catastrophic error.
Winning the ball back on the edge of the Leeds area, Aaronson laid off Koki Saito inadvertently and the Japan ace curled an effort into the top corner. Leeds salvaged a 2-2 draw but Aaronson was very poor.
Hooked at half-time, Aaronson now has time to dwell on his poor form rather than fighting for the CONCACAF Nations League trophy, starting with a semi-final against Thomas Christiansen’s Panama.
Diego Luna was picked over Brenden Aaronson for USMNT spot
Asked about the decision to leave £25m man Aaronson out of his squad, Pochettino explained he has too many no.10’s available to him and included Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna in that discussion this week.
Luna has caught the eye of Leeds with his form in the MLS, winning last season’s Young Player of the Season award. Now, the £7m-rated star has been picked ahead of Aaronson with Pochettino a fan.
In January, the United States played some friendlies which did not involve players still in action with their clubs. MLS sides were in pre-season and Luna played, playing on with a broken nose for his country.
Luna celebrates with masterclass for Real Salt Lake on Saturday
Shortly after being named in the United States’ squad good and proper, Luna celebrated by starring for Real Salt Lake on the weekend. RSL secured an impressive 2-1 away win over Houston Dynamo.
Luna created his side’s first goal inside 60 seconds, laying on the pre-assist for Diogo Goncalves goal. Then, Luna netted his first of the season – a powerful header from around eight yards out to win 2-1.
Not only has Luna been picked ahead of Aaronson for the United States, he could join him at Elland Road in due course and will be in fine form going into the break’s games against Panama and a possible final.
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