Brenden Aaronson: Aiming to Showcase Versatility and Quality on the Pitch

Brenden Aaronson recently shared his thoughts with GOAL regarding the perceptions surrounding his playing style.

“It’s definitely upsetting,” Aaronson remarked. “I believe I exhibit considerable quality with the ball, but many people overlook that. They often focus on my energy, which is easy to see. I consistently give my all on the field, a lesson instilled in me by my father from a young age.”

He added, “I aim to break free from those stereotypes. I’m not merely a runner or a player who presses constantly. While those aspects are part of my game, I bring much more to the pitch, and I wish people could recognize that.”

This season, Leeds United fans have witnessed more of his capabilities. Although his statistics may not immediately stand out—he recently scored a goal against West Ham, earning the Man of the Match title for a remarkable performance, and provided an assist during a match against Nottingham Forest—the underlying metrics tell a different story.

Aaronson’s defensive statistics remain exceptional compared to other midfielders and wingers, an asset for a promoted team striving to maintain its Premier League status. Furthermore, his chance creation numbers are impressive; DataMB indicates he ranks among the league leaders in chance creation ratio, signifying his ability to create dangerous opportunities, even if the results have not been as prolific as desired.

“Playing is always a learning process for me,” Aaronson stated. “I believe I’ve performed well this year and must continue to improve to support the team effectively.”

While it’s clear that he has room for growth before reaching the level of the Premier League’s elite, Aaronson is committed to proving his critics wrong.

Leeds United’s coach, Daniel Farke, has often defended Aaronson publicly against criticism. In September, he remarked, “We shouldn’t place excessive pressure on him. At times, there’s an impression that we are overly critical. We acknowledge that Brenden faces challenges in his offensive game, particularly in decision-making and clarity. This is a recurring topic of discussion for us.”

Farke emphasized the importance of training Aaronson to make decisions in key positions on the pitch, noting that the player is motivated to succeed. “Sometimes, his eagerness affects his composure, and constant criticism doesn’t help his development,” he added.

Aaronson, aware of the scrutiny, has chosen to avoid engaging with it. “I represent Leeds United, one of England’s premier clubs, and our fan base is phenomenal. The pressure that comes with wearing this shirt is significant,” he explained. “I typically steer clear of social media, relying instead on my fiancée and parents for updates. I focus on giving my best each week and being true to myself.”

Currently, Aaronson is concentrating on the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) in hopes of securing a place on the roster for the upcoming World Cup. His versatility is one of his greatest assets; he can play as an attacking midfielder, on the wings, or even as a wingback. Regardless of the position, he consistently brings energy and creativity to the game.

“I approach playing as a winger like a No. 10, to be honest,” Aaronson shared. “My coach encourages me to have the freedom to engage with the game while adhering to the team’s formation. I aim to operate between the lines, driving with the ball and seeking to create scoring opportunities.”

This year has presented challenges for Aaronson with the USMNT. He was excluded from the March CONCACAF Nations League roster, a decision that, in hindsight, may have been fortuitous. Upon his return for the Gold Cup, he primarily served as a substitute, starting only one match against Haiti. His omission from the September squad came as little surprise as the coaching staff explored other options.

However, Aaronson made an impact upon his return in October, demonstrating his potential even in limited playing time against Australia. This performance, coupled with his recent success at Leeds, earned him a call-up for the November camp.

“Brenden is an experienced player who has contributed significantly to the national team,” said coach Pochettino this summer. “His commitment is unwavering, and he brings a dynamic presence to the team. We are well aware of his capabilities and the positive influence he has on the group.”

With key players like Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic, and Weston McKennie unavailable, the USMNT is in need of attacking midfield options, presenting Aaronson with an opportunity to shine once again in a familiar setting.

Despite leaving Philadelphia Union five years ago, Aaronson remains one of their success stories, having made his mark in Europe since his debut as a Best XI player in 2020. This week, he is one of four Union academy graduates on the USMNT roster, alongside Matt Freese, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty, all vying for World Cup spots. Their next opportunity arises during a friendly against Paraguay at Subaru Park, where Aaronson aims to secure a more significant role as one of the team’s No. 10 options.

Reflecting on his development in Philadelphia, Aaronson noted, “The winning mentality cultivated from a young age influenced us greatly. Champions League matches were ever-present, fostering an environment where everyone strived to be the best. The competition was fierce, pushing us to reach the highest echelons of our sport.”

While Aaronson acknowledges that his game may not always exhibit beauty, he hopes that increased recognition of his abilities will come as he continues to work hard for both club and country.