US media outlet CBS Sports have handed Leeds United star Brenden Aaronson a 7/10 rating for his role against Wales on Monday at the World Cup – claiming the playmaker should have been given more minutes by Gregg Berhalter.
Aaronson, 22, was expected to start for USA having impressed in a Leeds shirt since his move to Elland Road. However, the playmaker remained on the bench until the 66th minute. Norwich’s Josh Sargent was a surprise inclusion to start.
USA took the lead, Timo Weah scoring after a lovely pass from Christian Pulisic. But Wales transformed a woeful first-half display to end the game on top, and almost winning. Gareth Bale equalised from the penalty spot for the Welsh.
Aaronson came on and showed some nice touches, taking up some excellent positions and really looking to show invention against Wales. USA were better in the final third when Aaronson was on. CBS Sports gave him a 7/10 rating.
“Just adds a bit of dynamic ability. His turns into space are superb, and he gave this team some juice it couldn’t capitalize on. He probably should have gotten more than 24 minutes,” CBS Sports reported, on Aaronson’s showing.
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US outlet hand Leeds star Aaronson a 7/10 rating
But he should have got more minutes. While Weah got the goal and Pulisic laid on the assist, they struggled to really have any kind of stamp on the game. Pulisic looked as though he was struggling without regular first-team football.
Sargent is a player currently in the Championship and Weah offered little more than his goal. He has been playing as a right-back for Lille. Berhalter missed a trick, including Aaronson in his side against a somewhat young Wales defence.
It might be that Aaronson will be given a start for USA against England on Friday, with the need for a bit of energy and perhaps, Aaronson’s pressing ability specifically picked out for the clash against the Three Lions.
