USA treatment of Leeds United ace Brenden Aaronson called out amid unfair development
Leeds United star Brenden Aaronson has been treated unfairly compared to one of his international teammates, according to Beren Cross.
Writing for LeedsLive [16 October], the journalist argued it was “strange” for the USMNT to keep Aaronson in the camp when they had sent Christian Pulisic home early to manage the AC Milan man’s minutes, of which he has played just 11 more in the past six weeks than the Leeds ace.
The midfielder played the full 90 minutes for Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the early hours of Wednesday [16 October] in Mexico, and will – at the earliest – report back to Thorp Arch on Thursday morning (17 October), just a day before Daniel Farke’s side take on Sheffield United.
Cross wrote: “It seems strange, and a little unfair, Milan’s player was protected, yet Aaronson, who is due to play for his club on Friday night, was kept at the camp. Why?”
Leeds United affected by international break with game on Friday
When the TV broadcasters had selected Leeds to host Sheffield United in a Friday night clash preceded by the second of three international breaks in as many months, Farke will have shaken his head with dismay.
This is particularly pertinent with the small squad the German is already working with, now scuppered further by Aaronson – potentially his only real outlet as a number 10 with Joel Piroe pushed forward – facing a race against time and jet-lag.
It appears from the outside as though the Leeds man was held to a different standard to Pulisic, who has for a long time been an integral face of ‘soccer’ in the States, while others including Weston McKennie were also allowed back to their clubs early.
In addition, a decision made by Pochettino and the USMNT hierarchy did not pay off, as the nation went down 2-0 to Mexico in Zapopan – Fulham’s Raul Jimenez among the scorers.
Ao Tanaka and Junior Firpo – both crucial for the months ahead – are also returning from long treks with their respective national sides, while supporters will pray for positive news on wide duo Manor Solomon and Dan James.
In other Leeds news, a potential eight-figure Elland Road windfall has emerged.
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