Mauricio Pochettino makes controversial claim about Brenden Aaronson as Leeds United man recalled to USMNT squad
Mauricio Pochettino makes controversial claim about Brenden Aaronson as Leeds United man recalled to USMNT squad
Luke Phelps
4 minutes
Brenden Aaronson was a talking point throughout the season at Leeds United. But USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino isn’t unsure about his quality.
Brenden Aaronson featured in all 46 Championship games for Leeds United during the 2025/26 season, scoring nine times and assisting twice as Daniel Farke’s side won the title.
The 24-year-old certainly played his part in the campaign. But Leeds United fans were often critical of Aaronson with many thinking that Farke had better options in that position.
Aaronson was often criticised for being anonymous in games and simply not providing all that much in what is a key position on the pitch.
And his poor form saw Mauricio Pochettino drop Aaronson from the USMNT squad earlier in the year. Until now that is with the former Spurs boss naming Aaronson in his team for June friendlies against Switzerland and Turkey.
READ MORE: ‘The most frustrating player I’ve ever seen’… Pundit tears into Leeds United target with ruthless verdict
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Mauricio Pochettino thinks Brenden Aaronson was ‘really good’ for Leeds United in 2024/25
Despite what many Leeds United fans think, Pochettino actually thinks Aaronson had a really good season in the Championship. After recalling him to the USMNT side, Pochettino then detailed what he likes about the £25million signing from Red Bull Salzburg, which is his overall positivity on and off the pitch.
Speaking during his Thursday presser, Pochettino explained: “For Brenden, we already know his quality. The most important thing is that he keeps bringing his energy, positivity, enthusiasm, and passion. He is the type of player that transmits energy to the rest of the team.
“These feelings are really important. He is a player that already has experience, he was really good last season for Leeds as they won the Championship. He is an important player that can help build our spirit and he needs to understand that he cannot stop being the way that he is.”
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Daniel Farke has already been told what to do with Brenden Aaronson this summer
There are many supporters who think Aaronson may struggle in the Premier League next season. And already, Farke has been told to replace the American during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Speaking shortly after the end of the season, former Leeds United player Mike Grella said Farke needs to replace Aaronson this summer, saying: “If you’re going to play that way, maybe someone with a different skillset in that no.10 position that plays behind Piroe. A proper no.10 that will create numerical advantages that maybe he could add a little bit more to goal-scoring.
“I know Aaronson had a very good season goal-scoring wise, but playing also in a team that scores the most goals in the league, so that’s the position I would look to strengthen.”
Aaronson being back in the USMNT team is certainly a positive for him, though. If Farke does decide he’s not in his plans then Aaronson can put himself in the shop window with some good performances for his country.
That, or he could give Farke a real selection headache if he performs on the international stage. He does have quality but he was perhaps a bit too inconsistent last time round.
🚨 LEEDS UNITED MAKE HUGE DECISION 🚨
SKY CONFIRM: Everton Agree £1.6m Deal With Leeds United for Patrick Bamford
Sky Sports has confirmed that Everton have reached an agreement with Leeds United to sign striker Patrick Bamford for a fee of £1.6 million. The 30-year-old forward, who has spent the last seven seasons at Elland Road, will now make a move back to the Premier League following Leeds’ failure to secure promotion.
Bamford, known for his intelligent movement and link-up play, will bring valuable top-flight experience to Sean Dyche’s side as they look to strengthen their attacking options. Although injuries have disrupted his recent seasons, Everton see the modest transfer fee as a low-risk opportunity to bolster their depth up front.
The move is expected to be finalised in the coming days, pending a medical and personal terms agreement. Bamford becomes Everton’s first senior signing of the summer window as the club seeks to rebuild and avoid another relegation battle.
Would you like a short bio of Bamford’s career too?
In a stunning move, Leeds United has confirmed the departure of three key players, sending shockwaves throughout the club. While some fans are excited about the potential for new signings, others are fuming over one particular decision that they believe is a massive mistake.
The Three Departing Players
The three players set to leave Leeds United are:
– Robin Koch: A talented defender who has been with the club since 2017. Koch’s departure has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some believing it’s an opportunity for new talent to emerge.
– Mateusz Klich: A skilled midfielder who has been a key player for Leeds United. Klich’s experience and vision on the pitch will be missed by many fans.
– Rasmus Kristensen: A dynamic right-back who has been a fan favorite. Fans are devastated by his departure, believing he was a crucial part of the team’s defensive strategy.
Fans Aren’t Happy with Kristensen’s Departure 🤬
Leeds United fans are particularly upset about the decision to sell Rasmus Kristensen. They believe he was an integral part of the team and that his departure will leave a significant gap in the squad. Fans are questioning the club’s decision-making process and wondering why they would let such a talented player go.
Fan Reaction
Leeds United fans are taking to social media to express their disappointment and frustration over Kristensen’s departure. Many are calling for the club to reinvest in the squad and bring in players who can fill the gap left by Kristensen. Others are speculating about who will replace him and how the team will adapt to his departure.
The Impact on the Team
The departure of Kristensen will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the team’s defensive strategy. Fans are worried that the team will struggle to find consistency and cohesion without him. The question on everyone’s mind is: can the team adapt to his departure and still achieve success?
What’s Next for Leeds United?
As Leeds United looks to rebuild their squad, fans will be eagerly watching to see which players the club brings in to replace the departing trio. With a new vision and strategy in place, the club is expected to make some significant changes in the coming weeks and months. Will the club’s new direction pay off, or will fans continue to be disappointed?
Conclusion
The departure of Koch, Klich, and Kristensen has sent shockwaves throughout the Leeds United community. While the club’s decision-making process may be driven by a desire to refresh the squad and bring in new talent, fans are clearly unhappy with the way things are being handled. As the transfer window heats up, one thing is certain – Leeds United’s fans will be demanding answers and expecting big things from their club.
