Brenden Aaronson says he feels more confident than when he first played for Leeds United in the Premier League and says he is “mentally prepared” for a return to the top flight.
The American - who has been named in the USA squad for this summer’s Gold Cup - underwhelmed during the second half of last season, recording just two goals and no assists in 22 games across 2025.
The number 10 still ended the campaign with his highest goals return - nine - along with two assists. His performances have drawn frustration from match-goers at times, though his hard work and effort has always been appreciated.
Leeds could search for a new number 10 this summer, with Aaronson currently the only specialist in that position. The 24-year-old will be mindful of game time next season ahead of next year’s home World Cup.
Comments from Aaronson himself indicate he is focused on Leeds, with two years of his contract still remaining. Speaking to The Athletic about the upcoming season, he said: “It’ll be a different challenge because we won’t be the best team in the league.
“The goal is to stay up. I’m mentally prepared for it and have grown so much since the last time. My game has gone a level higher and I’m more confident.”
Aaronson recorded one goal and three assists in 36 Premier League matches in the season after signing. After a loan spell at Union Berlin during United’s first season back in the Championship, he returned to feature in every league game this term.
Aaronson referenced the advice he has received from manager Daniel Farke, an ex-striker, on one aspect of his game and how he hopes to utilise this in the top flight next season. Aaronson explained: “He has spoken to me about it in finishing situations.
“When I was younger, even though I haven’t been a crazy goalscorer, I would always get chances. Even in the Prem season two years ago, I had a lot of chances, but I hit the woodwork a lot.
“But at the top level, you will only get a couple of chances a game. Back in the Premier League I might get one or two chances max a game and that’s when you have to calm down.”
Aaronson also added: “I’m arriving late in the box. This season, I’ve had goals from being centrally in the box and that’s something I’ve learnt from the coach: staying centrally in that area.
“It’s smelling it and being in the right place at the right time for where the ball might go. I would say there’s a little bit of luck but also sniffing out these opportunities to get on the ball at the top of the box.”
Aaronson has played as the number 10 in 62 of his 87 United appearances, yet he refrains from pigeonholing himself into that label. He said: “My best position? It’s tough to say because I have played so many - mostly at the 10 - but I see myself as a box-to-box midfielder.
“I defend and I attack. One of the underrated things is when I can pick the ball up in the midfield and drive the team forward.
"For me, it’s also having the freedom in the midfield to go and get the ball, play, turn and have that freedom in between the lines. So I’d say, ideally, I’d be an eight and a half.”
Here at LeedsLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Leeds United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Leeds news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.