Leeds United forward Brenden Aaronson has shared how a piece of advice from Mauricio Pochettino helped him to lift his standards under Daniel Farke.
Despite receiving criticism from the club’s fans at times, Brenden Aaronson has been a regular in the Leeds side so far this season, following their return to the Premier League.
Aaronson recently opened up on his struggles at Leeds, explaining how staying off social media helped him shut out the noise during his time at Elland Road.
Having previously been left out of the squad, Aaronson has been recalled to the US Men’s National Team squad, as one of 16 Leeds players jetting off on international duty in the current break.
Now, Aaronson explained how a piece of advice from USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino helped him rediscover his best form and force his way back into the international picture.
Mauricio Pochettino looks on during United States v Australia - International Friendly
Photo by Andrew Wevers/USSF/Getty Images
The Mauricio Pochettino advice that helped Leeds United star Brenden Aaronson
Speaking to CBS, Aaronson opened up on how he managed to force his way back into the USMNT squad on the verge of the World Cup in the USA later this year.
According to Aaronson, Pochettino told him to keep doing his best to improve for both Leeds United and the USA. Aaronson said: “I think the communication was to keep going. I think that’s always [the message] from him
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“Even personally, I think that when I didn’t get called to camp or this or that, I think my mentality is always, you know, I can get better and better and keep showing on the pitch.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to do at Leeds, is to continue to play, week in, week out, and to show and even when I do come with the national team, it’s a show that I want to be part of this team and yeah, and help the team in any way I can.
“Then when I’m back at Leeds play at the highest level and continue to play week in, week out and do the best I can.”
Brenden Aaronson in action against Forest.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Brenden Aaronson escaped criticism in Nottingham Forest defeat
Aaronson started on the right of Leeds’ front three as the whole side received criticism following the demoralising defeat against Nottingham Forest.
However, Aaronson was one of the few players to avoid major critique after the defeat, as he produced a creditable performance for Farke’s side.
Brenden Aaronson vs Nottingham Forest:
Minutes Played: 74
Assists: 1
Accurate Passes (Success Rate): 14 (93%)
Defensive Contributions: 14
FotMob Rating: 7.6
Aaronson produced the assist for Leeds’ goal from Lukas Nmecha and was a persistent thorn in the side of the Forest defence, with his relentless pressing.
Farke used Aaronson’s work rate to justify leaving out Dan James after the game, and he received the highest rating of any Leeds player from FotMob, highlighting his all-round contribution.