Brenden Aaronson is quickly becoming one of Leeds United’s most important players this winter.
Aaronson scored his second Premier League goal of the season in a 1-1 home draw against Manchester United on Sunday. The American midfielder earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors after his latest strong performance for the Lilywhites.
Aaronson pushed Daniel Farke’s side forward on 62 minutes, racing onto a crossfield pass before drilling a left-footed shot into the far corner. The speedy midfielder beat Red Devils defender Leny Yoro before showing great finishing qualities in the 18-yard box.
Despite Manchester United leveling the match just three minutes later, Aaronson walked away with a strong performance as Leeds United extended their unbeaten run to seven games.
Aaronson was pleased with his name on the scoresheet against Manchester United at Elland Road, but ultimately admitted he was hoping for a better result overall.
“It’s great for the team to go undefeated,” Aaronson said in a post-match club interview. “But of course we wanted three points today.
“It’s difficult because you have to fight the whole game to get good chances because Man United have great players and are difficult to break,” he added. “So you get the chance to score, but then it’s about maintaining the lead.”
Aaronson will aim to retain his starting place on Wednesday when Leeds United visit Newcastle United in the league match. Although the holidays are over, the Lilywhites’ schedule remains very busy this winter.
Here’s a closer look at this week’s best Americans Abroad performances:
Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie remains one of the goals for Juventus.
McKennie scored his second goal of the season in the 1-1 Serie A draw against Lecce on Saturday. The American midfielder scored the home side’s equalizer in the 49th minute and continued a productive run in Luciano Spalletti’s starting lineup.
McKennie has now contributed four goals in his last six games.
Aidan Morris
Back-to-back starts for Aidan Morris will certainly boost his confidence.
Morris helped Middlesbrough to a 4-0 win over Southampton on Sunday after a 1-0 defeat to Derby County in midweek. The former Columbus Crew midfielder only recently returned to the team after missing time due to a knee injury.
He was one of the better players on Sunday, completing more than 90% of his passes and winning five matches.
Folarin Balogun
AS Monaco suffered a home defeat on Saturday in their return to Ligue 1, but Folarin Balogun walked away with his second assist of the season.
Balogun assisted on the only goal for Monaco in the 3-1 defeat to Lyon. The USMNT forward continues to play a key role in Monaco’s squad, scoring three goals in his last six club appearances.
He is on course to set a new single-season record for goals scored since the 2022-2023 season.
Josh Sargent
Josh Sargent scored his first goal of the new year for Norwich City.
Sargent scored Norwich City’s opening goal in a 2–1 win over QPR on 72 minutes at the Loftus Road Stadium. He also played 89 minutes in a 2-0 home defeat to Stoke City on Sunday and continued to find his feet after missing time due to concussion.
Norwich City will certainly need Sargent among the goals again if they want to avoid a relegation battle this winter/spring.
What did you think of Americans Abroad’s action this weekend? Is there anyone else who deserves a mention on this list?
Share your thoughts below.
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