It is difficult to find a Leeds United player who receives more criticism than Brenden Aaronson. He’s not made things easy for himself, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin has heaped praise on the no.11.
The weight of a £25m price tag, the decision to leave on loan and use Victor Orta’s relegation loan clause after Leeds went down in 2023, and his inability to keep the ball under any kind of physical challenge.
Often, brushes that fans often tarnish Aaronson with. Yet, Aaronson has started Leeds’ last eight Premier League games on the right flank, and has had a hand in two goals in his last three appearances for Leeds.
While on international duty with America, Aaronson impressed against Paraguay and came off the bench during USA’s massive 5-1 win over Marcelo Bielsa last night. Calvert-Lewin has praised his mentality.
Leeds players need to be more like Brenden Aaronson
It comes after Aaronson missed a sitter at Burnley. The chance to equalise and yet, the former Salzburg star’s shot was tame, parried by Martin Dubravka. The ball despairingly hit the post and bobbled wide.
Aaronson was heavily criticised for the next week, and yet, the 57-time USA star bounced back with a man-of-the-match display against West Ham. Calvert-Lewin praised his mentality on Sky’s One on One.
“The togetherness we have here is really refreshing. It doesn’t matter who scores; we’re all celebrating the same way. I get an unbelievable feeling, like when Brenden taps one in after having a difficult moment.
“He bounces back, scores a goal, and couldn’t be happier for him. Throughout the course of the season, those are the kinds of things and characteristics that, if you all have them, they pull you through,” he said.
Who starts on the right wing against Aston Villa on Sunday?
There are two theories to this. Aaronson might have got an assist for Lukas Nmecha’s goal against Nottingham Forest, but realistically, it was a simple pass to his right. At least, he made the right decision.
What do Leeds fans want, and what will Daniel Farke do, are often two different things. Dan James came on against Forest and impressed, having an effort tipped wide by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
The Leeds United players who are in with a chance of playing at the World Cup🌍
- Joe Rodon (Wales – play-off in March)
- Ethan Ampadu (Wales – play-off in March)
- Karl Darlow (Wales – play-off in March)
- Dan James (Wales – play-off in March)
- Ao Tanaka (Japan)
- Brenden Aaronson (USA)
James then scored for Wales on Tuesday night in a 7-1 win over North Macedonia. Aaronson has failed to find form in the last two games – like every other Leeds player – and has to return from USA duty.
The right pick feels like James. But Farke has often backed Aaronson and explains his type of player is best-suited to Leeds at the moment. It will be an interesting one to see who starts against Aston Villa.
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