American media react to Leeds United duo Weston McKennie and Brenden Aaronson during rout v Grenada
Leeds United duo Weston McKennie and Brenden Aaronson impressed the United States media with their performances for the USMNT in the 7-1 win over Grenada on Friday night (24 March).
Braces from Whites midfielder McKennie, as well as Ricardo Pepi, were followed up by goals from Christian Pulisic and Alejandro Zendejas in what quickly became a complete rout.
Leeds playmaker Aaronson also found the back of the net in the 20th minute to cap off a strong night for both Javi Gracia’s players.
According to MLS Soccer, McKennie showed an “impressive display of athleticism and body control” for his first goal while carrying a goalscoring threat throughout the rest of the game, being rated an 8.5/10 in their player ratings.
Aaronson, meanwhile, was praised for his “all-out energy” in the tough climate to play football in, receiving a 7.5/10 rating.
NBC Sports were equally impressed with the Leeds pair, rating McKennie an 8/10 after his brace and Aaronson a 7/10 after a “much-needed confidence boost”.
Goal admitted that McKennie was in “A+ Harry Potter wand-waving form” throughout the encounter, receiving an 8/10, while Aaronson was awarded a 7/10 after setting the tone early on in proceedings.
Impressive
It is pleasing to see both McKennie get themselves in the goals for their national team, as both have struggled to do this at Elland Road this season.
Although McKennie hasn’t had much time to stamp his authority on proceedings in West Yorkshire, he is yet to fully show why he is a £30million rated midfielder.
Performances such as this, though, will do him a world of good, and hopefully, allow him to return to club action full of confidence and ready for the relegation fight ahead.
Aaronson, meanwhile, was at his buzzing best against the USMNT’s far inferior opposition.
Having the former RB Salzburg man at his best for the relegation run-in could be crucial for Gracia. The 22-year-old is the leader of the press, and his energy in between the defensive and midfield lines can be an absolute nightmare for opposition teams, as found out by Grenada on Friday night.
In other Leeds United news, Ben Foster was blown away by one Whites player in the recent league victory at Wolves.
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