Already on Wednesday, Brenden Aaronson has been in action for Mauricio Pochettino’s United States with the Leeds United player lasting the entire 93 minutes in Mexico.
The 23-year-old has made a solid start back at Leeds after returning to Daniel Farke’s side under a cloud following his loan with Union Berlin last term. Aaronson was one of eight to use Victor Orta’s loan clause.
Following relegation, a season in which Aaronson played a key role clocking up 40 appearances, the USA star jumped ship and went to Germany with Union where he found himself in the Champions League.
Another poor season saw Aaronson and Union escape relegation on the final day. Now back at Leeds, he has made a decent start with two goals and an assist in his nine Championship appearances this season.
Tony Meola stunned by something Brenden Aaronson did for USA
The playmaker is renowned for his lightweight frame, and his lack of physicality. While his work rate is a real positive, he is often criticised for his inability to win duels or fend off opponents under pressure.
That was evident this morning, with Aaronson hammered by former United States goalkeeper Tony Meola on CBS Sports Golazo’s podcast. Discussing Aaronson’s performance, Meola gave him a rating of 4/10.
“There were two guys I was going to give a ‘no-rating’ to, which isn’t allowed. One was Musah, I don’t remember him doing anything in the game. Brenden Aaronson I gave a 4,” Meola said about Aaronson.
“He was on the ground the whole night so I could have given him a ‘no-rating’, but a 4 just because of his effort. He got three for playing 90 minutes. I’m amazed at how much he was on the ground,” he added.
Aaronson lost 10 duels during defeat to Mexico, and more
It was a poor showing and worse still, Aaronson is now a doubt for Friday’s clash against Sheffield United. That is given he played a full 93 minutes and now has less than 60 hours to get back in time for the game.
Aaronson stats including his 10 duel losses:
- 10/20 duels lost (7 ground duels lost, three headers lost)
- 2/4 tackles lost
- 1 dribble unsuccessful
- 10/30 passes unsuccessful (2/5 long balls)
- Dispossessed four times
Tony Dorigo said that Aaronson had put weight on in muscle during his loan in Germany and while there are other occasions in which the Leeds ace has shown a bit of fight, the same issue continues to reoccur.
Aaronson will now be on his way back to England, with Aaronson expected back at Leeds on Thursday ahead of Friday night’s clash against Sheffield United. Whether he is ready to start, remains to be seen.
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