Brenden Aaronson received mixed reviews from USA media as the Leeds United star featured in a 1-1 draw against New Zealand on Wednesday (11 September).
The 23-year-old has been earning the fans’ trust back at Elland Road following his season-long loan at Union Berlin last term, but he is a constant performer on the international stage.
However, it was not his day as Christian Pulisic’s goal was cancelled out by a late Ben Waine equaliser, being held to a draw by the 94th-ranked nation in FIFA rankings [FIFA].
Soccer America [11 September] slapped a 3/10 rating on the midfielder, writing: “The high-gear play of Brenden Aaronson, the most attack-minded of the midfield trio, proved ineffective against a packed New Zealand defence.
“Cracking that required clever play in tight spaces, which doesn’t seem to be his forte, as when he shot into a defender in the penalty area instead of showing some patience. Aaronson was chopped down badly with a yellow-card foul from Alex Rufer when he embarked on a spectacular dribble from the USA’s half.
“He followed it up with one of his two poorly hit free kicks. Shortly before being subbed, Aaronson had the USA’s best chance at goal. But with plenty of the net to aim at, he shot well within keeper Max Crocombe’s reach.”
Goal [11 September] were far less critical, giving Aaronson a 7/10 rating, writing: “Got beat up a bunch by New Zealand, particularly in the first half.
“Put himself in positions where defenders simply had to foul him, which is a credit to how good he was with and without the ball. Had one good chance at goal, too, but it was saved by Max Crocombe.”
Brenden Aaronson returns to Leeds United after mixed international display
Many fans have been surprised by Aaronson’s impact since returning to Elland Road, with multiple eyebrows already raised when Daniel Farke confirmed he would be joining the squad this season.
Despite his average loan spell in the Bundesliga, the 23-year-old has put on some impressive performances in front of the Elland Road crowd, earning some of the trust back already.
He entered the field against Portsmouth in the opening game of the season, scoring a late equaliser before spurning the perfect chance to win all three points.
The midfielder has since scored in the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, so Farke will hope his sub-standard international displays will not translate to club football, especially against Burnley in an upcoming clash.
Leeds are sitting in fourth in the Championship table after four games, remaining unbeaten so far, and Aaronson could be a key player if they are to claim promotion this season.
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