Leeds United forward Brenden Aaronson has explained how going through the “hardest” moment in his life has helped him develop a new mental resilience.
Brenden Aaronson was not a popular figure among the Leeds fanbase at the start of the 2023/24 season, having been part of the side that suffered relegation from the Premier League the season before.
The USA international spent that season, the first under Daniel Farke, on loan with Union Berlin before returning to Leeds to be part of the squad that earned promotion from the Championship.
Aaronson’s performance against West Ham showed the forward at his best, as he scored a goal and was a persistent threat, but this was sandwiched between poor displays against Burnley and Brighton, to the enduring frustration of the Leeds fans.
However, Aaronson has admitted that he has developed a newfound toughness at Elland Road, as he tries to ignore the outside criticism of his game.
Brenden Aaronson in action for Leeds United during a Premier League clash against Everton
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Brenden Aaronson opens up on tough experiences at Leeds United
Speaking to the Men in Blazers podcast, Aaronson admitted that the months following the departure of Jesse Marsch, leading up to Leeds’ relegation, were the hardest in his life, as he struggled to deal with the expectations of playing for such a big club.
However, having instigated a self-imposed social media ban and returned to Leeds, he is now much happier with life at the club.
Aaronson said: “I think looking back at that decision, you know, there were many moments where, I mean, going back all the way to the Premier League season, where that last couple months were the hardest in my life.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“I had never been in a situation where I’d been at such a big club. With these fans, you need to perform at the highest level every game. And that was just me being young, and you never really feel anything like that.”
He added: “I think I’ve learned so much about the mental side and I’ve grown so much about the mental side. I always tell myself, going into these games, I play at the highest level.
“I can do it this game, I can do it the next game. I think just staying away from social media, staying away from all that type of stuff, because I don’t pay attention to it.
“I’m never on Instagram, I’m never on Twitter or anything like that. I stay away. I let my parents and my fiancé deal with it. Most of all, for me, it was definitely coming back in, and you know, being a part of the team. And I loved it so much, and it’s great being back.”
Brenden Aaronson in action for Leeds during a Premier League clash against West Ham
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Brenden Aaronson still needs to add consistency in the Premier League
Most Leeds fans were delighted to see Aaronson approaching his best in the game against West Ham, as he dictated the play in an impressive performance.
However, he was disappointing in Leeds’ damaging defeat against Brighton as no Leeds player covered themselves in glory on the south coast.
Aaronson has so many of the qualities that the Leeds fans demand from their players. He is a diligent worker and a tireless runner who always gives his all for the team.
Unfortunately, in the Premier League, endeavour isn’t enough. Leeds need Aaronson deliver the West Ham performance every week, not just once in 10 games.