Brenden Aaronson admits he has changed a lot since his first spell in the English Premier League.
Aaronson, who is in the middle of his second EPL campaign with Leeds United, has endured a difficult restart during the 2022-2023 season. The US men’s national team midfielder was relegated to the Lilywhites in 2023 before being loaned out to Union Berlin the following season.
After playing a key role in Leeds’ return to the English top flight, Aaronson has made 12 appearances this season, scoring one goal and adding one assist. He has started each of Leeds’ last eight matches, helping the club to victories over Wolves and West Ham United, while also drawing AFC Bournemouth.
Aaronson believes he is in a good frame of mind and in good form as the stage shifts to international duties in the coming week.
“It’s always a learning process to go out there and play,” Aaronson said on a conference call Wednesday. “But I think I’m playing at a good level this year and I have to keep improving and help the team as best I can.
“I think I’ve learned a lot since the last time I played in the Premier League,” he added. “I wouldn’t say I was naive [during the 2022-23 season with Leeds]but when you come to a massive club like Leeds and there’s a lot of pressure, and you’re not winning games, you can get down on yourself.’
Aaronson has endured some tough moments during his time at Elland Road, including criticism from home fans across multiple campaigns. The 25-year-old scored a total of 11 goals and six assists in 101 combined appearances for the club, statistics that may be slightly lower than what his reported £24.7 million price tag was from Red Bull Salzburg.
Yet Aaronson continued to fight for his chances in West Yorkshire and remained an important part of the club again this autumn. Whether he remains a Leeds United player beyond this season remains to be seen, but for now he will remain confident in his abilities at one of England’s historic clubs.
“I think the confidence I have now and the durability of it is at a really good level,” Aaronson said. “I’m happy with my mental space and I think that’s the most important thing in football. When you play at your best level you have the confidence, and that’s what I think changes my game.”
Versatility and a high work rate have certainly kept Aaronson one of the first names on Daniel Farke’s team list. Aaronson came through the ranks of Philadelphia Union as a central midfielder, but also played as a winger and sometimes even as a false number 9 for Leeds United in the three years he played there.
His defensive qualities in midfield have continued into 2025 and Aaronson will want to maintain those qualities as Leeds United fight to stay above the red line this season.
“I play the winger as a No. 10 if I’m honest with you,” Aaronson said. “I think about it [Leeds] My coach talks to me about the freedom to get involved in the game. Of course he wants the formation, of course he wants me to stay in the positions, but I just go out there and play like I would play in midfield. I don’t really change it much.
“I’m not a winger who plays one-on-one or things like that,” he added. “I want to stand between the lines. I want to drive the ball. I want to play the last pass and shoot the last shot.”
Aaronson’s focus will shift to the USMNT for friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay before returning to club action against Aston Villa on November 23.
#Brenden #Aaronsons #confidence #game #SBI #Soccer