Brenden Aaronson says his aim for next season is to show critics that he can be a success in the Premier League, pleding to “continue to prove people wrong”.
The American recorded a career best return of nine goals for Leeds United last season but only two came after the new year, and he failed to register an assist in the second half of the campaign despite playing in every league game.
It is possible that Leeds bring in a new number 10 this summer, with interest in Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra - who can play in the role - hinting towards such intentions. Aaronson is currently the only specialised senior No 10 in the Leeds squad.
Daniel Farke wanted to sign a new player in the position during January but was restricted in doing so. If a new primary option is acquired this summer then there is a risk that Aaronson is subjected to limited game time in the season before a home World Cup.
There have been questions over whether the playmaker could look to move on from Elland Road if such a scenario does occur, and thus impede his chances of securing his place in the US squad next year. However, Aaronson has appeared to swat away this notion.
The 24-year-old was left out of the USA’s fixtures in March due to form, something the midfielder said left him “p*****” but was actually was “a blessing in disguise” given it allowed him to go home and refresh his mind and body after starting the last 36 league games. "I was homesick. It helped me so much to just get my head out of everything," he admitted toGOAL.
Aaronson has made Mauricio Pochettino's squad for this month’s Gold Cup campaign - the North and Central American equivalent of the European Championships - and registered a goal and an assist in the group stages ahead of Monday’s quarter-final against Costa Rica.
Explaining his next steps this summer, Aaronson said: “After this tournament, it's going back to Leeds and having a fantastic season in the Premier League. It's how the club thinks: What are we going to do next? Who are we gonna add?
"They always have to make decisions regarding the Prem and, once you win that [Championship] trophy, it goes directly to how we're going to work to stay in the Premier League... I want to have a great season. I want to prove to everyone that I can do it in the Premier League, too."
He added: "I've proven that I can score goals. I've proven that I can create with the best teams in the league and help a team get promoted. For me, I'm just going to go out there and continue to get better and better.
“I know it sounds boring, but, for me, it's true. I'm proud of how this season went, but I want to grow. I think I can get better. I'm really happy with this season, but I think I can continue to prove people wrong."
These comments echo what Aaronson said earlier this month, when he said he is “mentally prepared” for a return to Premier League football.
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