Leeds United: Mauricio Pochettino shows Daniel Farke what's possible with Brenden Aaronson
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has a fixation on playing Brenden Aaronson, but Mauricio Pochettino isn't afraid to make certain decisions with the American.
Aaronson was called up to the USA's national team ahead of their World Cup hosting campaign, which has gotten off to a flying start.
Pochettino has guided his side to a near-flawless start with two wins, six goals scored, and having conceded just once.
USA are at the top of Group D and have already booked their spot in the Round of 32, and as things stand, they could be playing Bosnia-Herzegovina in the knockout game.
However, Elland Road has had some particular issues with some of Farke's selection choices, as they'll be hoping to see a change next season.
One of them includes Aaronson, but Pochettino keeps showing Farke what is possible without the Leeds man.
Brenden Aaronson yet to play single minute for USA
There's nothing better than watching a player of the club you support do well at a World Cup tournament, and Leeds fans will have no doubt been hoping for Aaronson to have a successful campaign.
However, the attacking midfielder is yet to play a single minute for his country at the World Cup, despite playing in a friendly contest against Germany before the tournament started.
Aaronson's nation beat Australia 2-0 on Friday, and after failing to make in the first two games, he'll be hoping for some minutes against Turkey next week, who have already been knocked out of the World Cup.
Interestingly, the USA look a real force right now, and Pochettino is showing Farke what can be done without the inclusion of Aaronson in the starting eleven.
The 25-year-old had a purple patch for the Whites midway through the season, but Farke patronised fans by persisting in starting him, even when his form dropped off.
Pochettino hasn't fallen for the trap of that evidence on show in the Premier League, and has clearly made up his mind on his preferred midfield.
Perhaps Farke should take some notes from the USA boss.
Aaronson could be on his way out of Leeds amid latest transfer news
Whether or not Leeds sign an upgrade on Aaronson remains to be seen, but the Whites are hopeful.
Leeds are exploring a move to sign soon-to-be-free-agent Julian Brandt, who is set to leave Borussia Dortmund once his contract expires at the end of June.
Even if the Whites did land the 48-capped German international, it would still be no surprise if Farke opted to play Aaronson.
However, if the Whites boss did come to his senses, then surely that would spell the end of Aaronson's first-team chances, opening the door for an exit.