Brenden Aaronson's Pressing Clinic: 'He Is Only Going To Get Better'
Brenden Aaronson produced a “relentless” pressing performance in his Premier League debut, starring in Leeds United’s 2-1 win over Wolves at Elland Road.
However, the 21-year-old’s long-term admirers, including head coach Jesse Marsch, were not surprised by the quality of his display.
It was vintage Aaronson.
“I think all the debutants did quite well,” Marsch told reporters on Saturday [6 August]. “The speed of play... was at a very high level, both teams trying to impose themselves on the way they wanted to play.
"[Aaronson] is relentless. He is none stop. His work rate is incredible, I know him well, and the thing I know about him is he is only going to get better."
Even so, the American’s bow in West Yorkshire warrants further attention.
Related: Tyler Adams: The American Midfielder Headed For Elland Road (BTL)
Aaronson was a hive of activity before his 84th-minute substitution, buzzing around the field from the right of Marsch’s 4-2-3-1.
His offensive statistics do not jump off the page, though. He only completed 65 percent of his passes, went zero-from-four on crosses, and saw his only dribble attempt fail.
But there was so much more to Aaronson’s performance than those numbers suggest, especially since “his” winner was recorded as an own goal by Rayan Aït-Nouri.
He played a crucial role on both sides of the transition for Leeds, turning defence into attack with measured, intelligent pressing. Let’s review three examples.
After a failed Leeds attack on the 16-minute mark, the ball filters through to Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa . The Portuguese shot-stopper rolls possession to Max Kliman who, when pressed by Patrick Bamford, redistributes to Aït-Nouri.
But there’s a catch. Aaronson is triggered into pressing as soon as Kilman shapes up to pass and arrives on the scene before Aït-Nouri can consider his next move. With no simple options available, the Frenchman punts it long, creating a turnover for Leeds.
Aaronson’s play was simple but effective. He implemented Marsch’s instructions to a tee, blocking the passing lanes into midfield.
With half-time on the horizon, the hosts are struggling to retain possession. Rodrigo prods the ball up field at full stretch, hoping it will fall near a teammate.
Although Aït-Nouri wins first contact, Aaronson is quick to intervene and steals possession by positioning himself between his opponent and the loose ball.
The New Jersey-born attacking midfielder won the duel for two reasons: alertness (reacting immediately to the ball dropping in his zone) and physical intelligence (sticking his bum out to outmuscle Aït-Nouri).
Five minutes later, there is a repeat of the first example. Sa distributes to Kilman, who plays a choreographed pass to Aït-Nouri.
By now, Aaronson knows the drill. He cuts off the internal passing lane, pushing Aït-Nouri down the line. Wolves are eventually forced into a clearance, creating a 50-50.
Unlike his offensive numbers, Aaronson’s defensive statistics accurately reflect his crucial role in Marsch’s system. He won 75 percent of his defensive duels, made five ball recoveries, and earned one interception.
In other words, it was the perfect debut performance for an attacking midfielder renowned for his two-way qualities.
"I mean it’s always great to win, win at home at Elland Road for my first time," Aaronson said. "What a wonderful experience for me and the team to get the win today and it's a great start to the season.”
"You can tell how high the level is, everybody so technical. Wolves were tough today. They moved the ball super well, they got it out to the other side, which hurt us because we like to compress and keep it on one side so that was tough at one point but we fought through it and got the win. And I think we were good on the counter-attacks.
"It's a big awesome result for us to start the season with three points. The end of last year was tough but to start the year with three points is always great."
With the USMNT’s World Cup return on the horizon, Aaronson has everything to play for this season. And he is off to the perfect start.
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