Brenden Aaronson admits he’s changed a lot since his first stint in the English Premier League.
Aaronson, who is the middle of his second EPL campaign with Leeds United, endured a tough go-around during the 2022-23 season. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder suffered relegation with the Lilywhites back in 2023 before heading on loan to Union Berlin the following season.
After playing a key role in Leeds’ return to England’s top-flight, Aaronson has made 12 appearances this season, scoring one goal and adding one assist. He’s started each of Leeds’ last eight matches, helping the club earn wins over Wolves and West Ham United, while also tying AFC Bournemouth.
Aaronson believes he’s in a good state of mind and a good run of form as the scene shifts to international duty over the next week.
“It’s always a learning process going out there and playing,” Aaronson said on a conference call Wednesday. “But I think I’ve been playing at a good level this year, and I need to continue to get better and better and help the team the best I can.
“I think I’ve learned a ton since last time I was in the Premier League,” he added. “I wouldn’t say I was naive [during the 2022-23 season with Leeds], but when you come into a giant club like Leeds and it’s a lot of pressure, and you’re not winning games, you can get down on yourself.”
Aaronson has endured some tough moments during his time at Elland Road, which has included scrutiny from the home supporters over multiple campaigns. The 25-year-old has totaled 11 goals and six assists in 101 combined appearances for the club, stats that may be a bit lower than what his reported £24.7 million price tag was from Red Bull Salzburg.
Still, Aaronson has continued to fight for his opportunities in West Yorkshire, remaining a key part of the club again this fall. Whether or not he remains a Leeds United player after this season remains to be seen, but for now, he’ll continue having confidence in his abilities at one of England’s historic clubs.
“I think that the confidence that I have now and the sustainability of it is at a really good level,” Aaronson said. “I’m happy with my mental space and I think that’s the biggest thing in football. When you’re playing at your best level you have the confidence, and that’s what I feel like is changing my game.”
Versatility and a strong work rate has certainly helped Aaronson remain one of the first names on Daniel Farke’s team sheet. Aaronson came through the Philadelphia Union ranks as a central midfielder, but has also featured as a winger and even a false No. 9 at times for Leeds United over his three years there.
His defensive pressing and pestering abilities in midfield have continued in 2025 and Aaronson wants to keep those traits going as Leeds United fights to stay above the red line this season.
“I play the winger like a No. 10 if I’m being honest with you,” Aaronson said. “I think at [Leeds] my coach talks to me about having the freedom to go and get involved with the game. Of course, he wants the formation, of course he wants me to stay in the positions, but I just kind of go out there and play like I would in the midfield. I don’t really change too much about it.
“I’m not a winger that’s going one-v-one or stuff like that,” he added. “I want to be in between lines. I want to be driving with the ball. I want to be playing the final pass and shooting the final shot.”
Aaronson’s focus will shift to the USMNT for friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay before returning to club action on Nov. 23 against Aston Villa.
he looked pretty good in his last USMNT stint. how many of you have seen him play even a game this year at Leeds?
I don’t care how he looks for Leeds.
But last time out put in maybe his best shift for the USMNT since he left Austria. Compare him to the guy he’s really in competiton with, Diego, and right now, if you take Luna instead of BA, you’re a fool. Diego has not been delivering on his promises lately.
But selection day is a long time away.
BA is punching way above his weight already and it is hard to see him sustaining this form.
If he proves me wrong and does get in it will be a triumph for the modestly talented. Good for him.
I’m sick of American players who try harder than the next person. I’m tired of players with pluck. I want American players who actually ARE better and win more than the next person.
BA is a great story and a wonderful person. And he will go on after he retires to be the next Myle Kartino. But right now, they can assemble a very high level 26 man roster w/o him in it.
Next World Cup he can come back as Christian Roldan.
I’ve always liked Aaronson. He never gives up on a play and harasses opponents endlessly. He has very quick feet, can shot and pass well. He looks stronger now than he was a few years go, but not enough to scare opponents. He no longer ends up on the ground after every physical challenges.
Should have never been labeled the Medford Messi. Leeds fans were expecting more from.him with that moniker.
Just need a bit more in offensive numbers from him
He is now entering his prime, and I think he will become more dangerous.
If the Leeds fans think that he’s NOT the closest thing to Messi ever to come out of Medford then they are wrong. The name is fine. If he was called the Miami Messi…well, that might oversell him a little. But Medford… lol, Just playin…
Absolutely no one at Leeds thought they were getting a Messi like player. It’s alliteration. You’re insulting Leeds fans if you really think that’s why they don’t like him.
1. Jesse way overpaid for him, and then he didn’t produce.
2. During his season that he didn’t produce they got relegated.
3. When they got relegated he abandoned the team as soon as possible.
-They also hate Jack Harrison because of 2 &3. Doesn’t help that they both then stunk on loan and couldn’t even earn some cash to spend on players better than them.
Brenden Aaronson needs to work on 2 things.
1. Strength / Stamina while on the ball.
2. Taking lethal shots on goal.
On the field he’s a hard worker…..a tenacious pest that never gives up ……and chases everything in his vicinity till he’s pulled or the whistle blows.
He’s speed is enough
He’s passing is good
He has a decent dribble
He is quick…..surprisingly quick to the ball (as it takes opponents be surprise and they usually foul him lol)
If Aaronson could create separation in front of goal and shot
…he would be a force to reckon with, because regardless of his abilities Aaronson leaves it ALL on the field for Leeds (they always seem to be picking him up from the pitch but he keeps going lol)
bizzy,
In other words, close but no cigar.
You make a lot of excuses for a player who isn’t good enough. He’s playing very well right now but he’s also right at the top of his ceiling.
For his sake hopefully he can keep it up and make it onto the WC team.
But when the real deal starts, BA playing any real minutes means the USMNT is in trouble.
“……close but no cigar” lol, I like it
The dude works harder than anyone on the US team. I’d love to see that start converting into more goals for both Leeds and the Nats!
I’m glad his confidence is high.
Same. Always liked him. I never worry if he’s gonna show up and compete. He may not have the finishing product BUT his effort is second to none. If I were the coach, he’d be on the squad and bench every time. I need my stars to not be outworked by a backup.