Brenden Aaronson will be gutted with USA developments after Leeds United ace snubbed
Brenden Aaronson’s World Cup experience didn’t quite go to plan with the Leeds United attacker confined to substitute appearances for the United States.
Considering he has made 27 appearances for his country, scored six goals, and is one of the hottest prospects the USA have, it’s a huge surprise that he was used so sparingly by head coach Gregg Berhalter. The USA crashed out of the competition in the first knockout round, with the Netherlands cruising to a 3-1 victory.
Many had thought Berhalter’s men would’ve put up a better fight against the Dutch, but on the whole, it was an impressive tournament, with their standout result being a 0-0 draw against England, which they probably should have won.
The latest news to come out of the US camp is that Belhalter is set to begin talks over a new contract after his side’s success in Qatar (ESPN, 7 December). This news will not please Aaronson after the 22-year-old failed to earn a start in any of his country’s four games. Considering the US averaged under a goal a game, utilising Aaronson more could well have been a route for Berhalter to go down.
However, there could well be a glimmer of hope for the Leeds United star, with ESPN also suggesting the USMNT boss is potentially interested in exploring potential managerial openings in Europe.
For Aaronson, it’s clear a new man would benefit him on the international stage. He has excelled under Jesse Marsch at Elland Road after his £24.7million move from RB Salzburg in the summer (Sky Sports, 26 May).
His international snub just doesn’t quite add up, and he simply has to be a key part of the side which lines up at the next World Cup in 2026.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are now scouting an attacker at the World Cup and a January move appears to be on the cards for them.