Brenden Aaronson has endured a lot of tough moments as a Leeds United player but Friday’s performance will go down as one of his more memorable.
Aaronson played the hero for Daniel Farke’s men in a 2-0 road EFL Championship victory over Sheffield Wednesday. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors after scoring his second goal of the season and his first game winner.
Aaronson propelled the Lilywhites in front at Hillsborough after 24 minutes. The 23-year-old followed up a Leeds United counter attack into the 18-yard box before slotted home into the back of the net.
Daniel James would extend Leeds’ advantage to 2-0 in the second half, giving them a two-goal advantage that they wouldn’t let slip away.
Aaronson completed 89% of his passes, won four duels, and made three recoveries in his 89-minute shift. After helping Leeds United to an important three points, Aaronson will now turn his attention towards an August 31 date with Hull City at Elland Road.
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from this past week:
Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson’s productivity as Fulham’s No. 1 left back continued Saturday in the Cottagers home opener.
Robinson set up the winning goal in a 2-1 home triumph over Leicester City. The USMNT left back played in Alex Iwobi in the 70th minute, watching as the Nigerian slotted home for a bounce-back result for Fulham.
The 27-year-old Robinson also made a match-high five tackles while also winning five duels and completing 87% of his passes.
Christian Pulisic
AC Milan suffered its first defeat of the Serie A campaign, but USMNT star Christian Pulisic enjoyed his first goal in the process.
Pulisic scored once in a 2-1 road loss to Parma, logging 86 minutes from the right side of the Rossoneri’s midfield. His tap-in finish off of a Rafael Leao pass helped AC Milan tie the match 1-1, but Parma would score the eventual winning goal 10 minutes later.
The 25-year-old Pulisic created a match-high four offensive chances despite the defeat.
Josh Sargent
Josh Sargent is finding some good form early in the EFL Championship season.
Sargent scored for the second-straight weekend as Norwich City tied Sheffield United 1-1 at Carrow Road. The USMNT forward slotted home into the bottom-right corner after 22 minutes, giving Norwich City a 1-0 advantage.
Despite the visiting Blades tying the match 10 minutes later, Sargent will be confident after leaving his mark for the second time this season. The 24-year-old could very well be in the USMNT plans for September action against Canada and New Zealand.
Malik Tillman
Malik Tillman is amongst the goals again for reigning Eredivisie champions PSV.
Tillman scored PSV’s fourth goal on Saturday in an eventual 7-1 road victory over Almere City. The 22-year-old logged an impressive 90 minutes in midfield, winning 11/15 duels, completing five dribbles attempts, and creating two offensive chances.
What did you think of these individual performances this past weekend? Was there anyone left off the list that you would’ve added?
Share your thoughts below.