Brenden Aaronson has needed a spark to get him back in form for English Premier League side Leeds United and Monday’s performance with the Under-21’s could provide exactly that for the American midfielder.
Aaronson scored once for Leeds United’s Under-21 squad on Monday in a 2-1 league victory over Aston Villa. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder started and played 45 minutes, which was his longest overall appearance since January 22.
Aaronson picked up possession inside of the Aston Villa box just before halftime and rifled a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner. It was his first overall goal since August 2022 against Chelsea.
Aaronson was replaced at halftime, watching the second half from the sidelines as Leeds United used a late winner from Sean McGurk to claim all three points. It was a positive performance from the 22-year-old, who has struggled to get back to his best since the FIFA World Cup.
Aaronson has only totaled 73 minutes during February’s Premier League schedule, after recovering from appendicitis earlier in the month. The USMNT midfielder has one goal and two assists for Leeds United since his move from Red Bull Salzburg last summer.
Leeds United could desperately use Aaronson’s production during the final three months of the league season. Michael Skubala’s squad sit 19th in the league table through 23 matches, after failing to win any of their last 10 league matches.
Leeds United hosts Southampton on Saturday in a crucial six-pointer before visiting Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup.