Leeds United Brenden Aaronson issues heartfelt message to Elland Road faithful

USA international Brenden Aaronson bagged his fourth goal of the season in Saturday’s easy win over Plymouth Argyle

Brenden Aaronson can do no wrong at the moment. It is now five goal contributions in 13 Championship matches for the USA international.

His hard-working performances have won over the doubters. The boos from the Elland Road faithful that greeted Aaronson’s introduction as a second half substitute in the opening-day thriller with Portsmouth seem a lifetime ago.

Aaronson, who spent last season on loan at German club Union Berlin, has made the No 10 position his own. His interpretation of the role is completely different to Georginio Rutter’s but Aaronson has been mightily effective in the final third, playing an integral part in United’s strong start to the season.

When asked about returning to the club in the summer following the Whites’ routine 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle over the weekend, Aaronson told Golazo America: “I understand the feelings they [Leeds fans] had for me when coming back.

“Listen, it was tough, things happened and that’s football at the end of the day but I think they’ve got on my shoulders, they’ve been pushing me and I can’t thank them enough for that because it’s been really good after coming back. I’ve been putting in a lot of work and I think they see that.”

Aaronson has benefited from United’s failure to land a new attacking midfielder in the most recent window. They had a big-money offer turned down for Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer and expressed interest in a number of other players.

“I think the football we’re playing really suits me and the position underneath the striker is what I’m used to and I really like playing,” said Aaronson, who is expected to start when the Whites visit Millwall on Wednesday evening. “I think the position I’ve played my whole career, in the 10 with a bit of roaming around in the midfield, trying to pick up the ball in attack, I think that’s where I’m at my best.

“Having a little bit of freedom and being able to develop the game and also get in the box, late runs into the box and playing the final pass, that’s what allowed me to get goals and assists and to help the team.”