Leeds United duo Isaac Schmidt and Brenden Aaronson did battle in the early hours of Wednesday morning as Switzerland ran out 4-0 winners over Mauricio Pochettino’s United States.
In fact, Switzerland were 4-0 up after 36 minutes in Nashville thanks to goals from Dan Ndoye, Michel Aebischer, Breel Embolo and Johan Manzambi. Aaronson was in the starting line-up for the USMNT.
Indeed, the £25m Leeds man started alongside his brother Paxten but both Aaronsons were hooked at half-time by Pochettino – with the former Spurs gaffer making five changes during the half-time break.
Not surprising, given the scoreline as Schmidt’s side cruised to an easy win. Aaronson was hammered by US media following his first appearances for the United States since November while Schmidt also started.
Swiss media still critical of Isaac Schmidt despite 4-0 victory
One shining light for Schmidt over a difficult 12 months has been becoming a fully-fledged Switzerland international. Leeds signed Schmidt on deadline day in August 2024 from Swiss outfit St. Gallen.
But he managed just 14 appearances for Leeds last season, starting both FA Cup games against Harrogate and Millwall but failing to make a league start, coming on as a sub in 12 games under boss Daniel Farke.
Schmidt was called-up by Switzerland in March and then today, won his third Switzerland cap. He lasted 65 minutes in the 4-0 win, but Swiss media were still critical of the versatile, both-footed Leeds full-back.
20Min handed Schmidt a grade of four out of five, before saying that the Leeds man could do better: “Hard-working winger on the right. Carries the ball well, but his finishing in attack could be improved.”
Isaac Schmidt will have one eye on the 2026 World Cup, now
Such is the way with football, the 2026 World Cup will now play a part in the decision making of some players who are looking to cement their place in their country’s squads, ahead of next summer.
Schmidt remains a fringe player at Leeds and while he has become a Switzerland player and has been called up in the last couple of squads, his lack of game time makes him vulnerable to being dropped.
Schmidt has admitted he is open to offers this summer but would be happy to stay at Leeds, with both Sam Byram and Junior Firpo likely to see their contracts expire. His future will be one to watch.
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