Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson in a circular insert with Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams either side of him.
Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson has impressed both pundits and supporters with his run of form in recent weeks.
Owen Hargreaves praised the American following his goal against Manchester United, with Aaronson being in the midst of his best run of form since he signed for Leeds back in 2022.
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Daniel Farke deployed the 25-year-old against both Liverpool and Manchester United in quick succession, with Aaronson’s trademark work-rate and high-intensity running proving to be valuable qualities that helped Leeds secure two vital points.
Aaronson’s performances have led another former Premier League star to make a sensational claim regarding the Leeds man, even comparing him to two other American midfielders Leeds supporters are particularly familiar with.
Robbie Mustoe makes bold Brenden Aaronson World Cup claim when comparing him to two former Leeds men
The names Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie will send shivers down the spines of any Leeds supporters, with both American midfielders being less than welcome back at Elland Road.
Both players are synonymous with Leeds’ last relegation from the Premier League, with Adams leaving the club unceremoniously in the aftermath to join Bournemouth, whilst McKennie returned to Juventus after his disastrous loan spell in West Yorkshire.
Former Premier League midfielder Mustoe recently claimed on NBC Sports that Aaronson could be ahead of his two former Leeds colleagues in the pecking order when it comes to starting in the centre of the park for the USA in next summer’s World Cup if he keeps performing the way he has been in recent weeks.
“Brenden Aaronson. US international, of course, I don’t think he’s loved or appreciated much for the national team. I’m not sure what his record is in terms of his numbers and appearances and stuff, all I see is a very busy midfield player that’s got a tremendous engine,” Mustoe said.
“He runs all over the field, he tracks runners, and he’s busy in midfield… I see a guy who took his goal (against Manchester United) really well. He’s got good pace, you know, I hear a lot about Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie at Juventus.
“Again, I don’t know how popular he is in the national team, but if you’re a Premier League midfielder and producing some end product, that’s two goals and three assists now, at this level, week in week out, fit, playing good, you’ve got to be around that first team for the US going into the World Cup.”
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Data suggests Brenden Aaronson has outperformed Weston McKennie this season
Whilst it would bring Leeds supporters great satisfaction to see one of their own keep two players they dislike on the bench at the World Cup, it is up to Aaronson to keep performing at a high level to make this a reality.
However, so far, Aaronson appears to be doing this, with data suggesting he is outperforming McKennie, who plays for a far better team in Juventus, which currently sits 4th in Serie A.
Stat Brenden Aaronson Weston McKennie
Total Minutes 1169 1182
Goals 2 1
Assists 3 2
Big Chances Created 5 2
Tackles (per game) 1.4 1.1
Interceptions (per game) 0.5 0.6
Balls Recovered (per game) 3.2 2.5
(Sofascore)
Now it is up to Aaronson to keep performing at this level to give him the best opportunity to earn a starting spot at the World Cup, whilst also giving Leeds fans a good laugh at McKennie’s expense.
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