Aaronson’s Journey: From Loan Spells to Premier League Key Player

omidbasir- Brenden Aaronson netted Leeds United’s opening goal against Manchester United, showcasing his pace and skill as he maneuvered between defenders Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro, sprinted into the box, and finished confidently past goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Under the guidance of Daniel Farke, Aaronson has emerged as a vital player, making 18 appearances in the Premier League this season, contributing one goal and three assists prior to the derby on Sunday. With 56 caps for the USMNT, he aims to maintain his impressive form leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

Aaronson’s journey to prominence at Leeds has been somewhat unconventional. After a loan spell at Union Berlin during the 2023-24 season, he opted to return to Elland Road to compete for his position.

In an interview with The Athletic last year, he shared insights about his playing style and revealed that he draws significant inspiration from Mohamed Salah. He stated, “I read about Mohamed Salah being consistently in the gym. He has an unbelievable build and stature, and that constant work on the little things adds up to make him who he is. This approach has benefitted me as well. For my hips, yoga and massage are essential; foam rolling doesn’t always reach the necessary spots. Deep-tissue massage has been incredibly helpful—especially for my glutes and hips.”

He praised the Leeds physio team, noting, “They’ve been great. There are times when I still feel pain, but we share a good laugh in the physio room, and thankfully, we haven’t had many injuries this season, so credit goes to those working behind the scenes. They do an excellent job.”

Discussing his preferred position on the field, Aaronson said, “It’s challenging to pinpoint a single role as I’ve played in various positions—mostly as a number 10—but I see myself as a box-to-box midfielder. I both defend and attack. One of my underrated strengths is picking up the ball in midfield and driving the team forward. I thrive on having the freedom to receive the ball, play, and maneuver between the lines. Ideally, I envision myself as an eight and a half. This season’s formation has been a dream for me, operating in a 4-3-3 setup, allowing me to find space in the pockets of the pitch, similar to how Liverpool’s midfield operates.”

Leeds United’s upcoming fixtures include a match against Newcastle United on Wednesday, followed by a third-round FA Cup clash with Derby County next weekend. Aaronson continues to draw motivation from renowned footballers as Leeds strives to secure its position in the Premier League.

He remarked, “Reflecting on the era of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney at Manchester United, they were always pushing themselves to go the extra mile on the pitch. The clubs supported their dedication. Nowadays, there’s a bit more restraint from clubs. I ensure that I don’t push myself too hard because my priority is to be available for every match. An injury would prevent me from contributing.”