Brenden Aaronson sounds like a new man with honest admission about Leeds United

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The confidence is clear in Brenden Aaronson’s demeanour after starting four Leeds United games in a row and that was evident when speaking to USMNT’s YouTube ahead of a friendly against Australia.

With Dan James and Willy Gnonto struggling with injury, Aaronson was given a surprise start in the 1-0 loss at Fulham in September. Daniel Farke wanted Aaronson’s work rate to complement Noah Okafor.

The American has since retained his spot in Farke’s starting XI for four consecutive Premier League games. Not many would have seen Aaronson becoming Leeds’ first-choice option on the right side of the attack.

But Aaronson’s stamina, work rate and rate at which he wins duels – surprisingly – are being prioritised over attacking output. Aaronson wins more duels per minute than any of his Elland Road teammates.

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Aaronson makes Leeds admission before USA clash v Australia

Having remained an unused sub against Ecuador last week, Aaronson came off the bench during USA’s 2-1 win over Australia in the early hours of Wednesday morning. US media were impressed with his cameo.

Aaronson might not have a goal or an assist for Leeds this season, but the American should have had an assist for Diego Luna with a cute pass inside the box. He admitted he wants better numbers pre-game.

“I’ve played the last four games which is big for me, getting good minutes and 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.

“Working on my goals and assists, being dangerous when I get on the ball, and bring that to the National Team and being myself, because that’s what gets me here with the National Team. Just being myself.”

Aaronson fell short of his 30 G+A target by 19, last season

There was plenty of boos for Aaronson when he returned to the fold at Leeds last summer. He was one of eight Leeds players to use Victor Orta’s loan clause to jump ship after relegation, joining Union Berlin.

After talks with Farke, Aaronson returned. The playmaker set himself a target of 30 goals and assists during 2024-25, but clearly underestimated the Championship. He had the platform, but didn’t provide.

Aaronson’s form since £25m move to Leeds:

Aaronson started 44 of 46 Championship games, but managed just nine goals and two assists. This season, his targets will be less, but he really needs to add goals and assists if he wants to retain his place.

Aaronson is aware of this, but he looks like a different man compared to the one that struggled in his first year at Leeds. This is a new Aaronson, on an upward curve, something Leeds fans haven’t seen yet.