UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has revealed the details of his text message to USA midfielder Brenden Aaronson before the 2022 World Cup got underway.
Aaronson is one of two Leeds players in the USA World Cup squad. But Tyler Adams, who is wearing the captain’s armband in Qatar, has featured much more than Aaronson.
Leeds boss Marsch has, however, admitted that he expected Aaronson to play a less significant role at the tournament. But the manager believes his young midfielder should be the first option off the bench for Gregg Berhalter’s side.
USA youngster watching on from sidelines
Contents
Aaronson has been a regular for Leeds this season, having joined the Premier League club from RB Salzburg in the summer.
He has played all 14 league games for the English side in the current campaign, with his mazy dribbles and tenacious attitude winning the hearts of the Leeds faithful.
Playing as an attacking midfielder or as a right-winger, the USA international has one goal and two assists to his name this season.
But his place in the national team isn’t as certain, with the likes of Adams, Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie having started all three matches so far.
The trio have impressed in midfield, with Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah also regulars in a more advanced position.
Leeds midfielder ‘accepts the role fully’
Aaronson is yet to start in Qatar, having come off the bench in all three of the USA’s group matches. But his club manager Marsch says the attacking midfielder is fully aware of the role he must play at the tournament.
“I think he accepts the role fully,” said Marsch, as reported by Leeds Live. “He’s still young, he knows it’s a good group, a good team.
“He’s done well for himself and well enough that he should be the first option off the bench.
“He can wrap his mind around that role and do a really good job in it. If he were to start on any given day, he can do a job and he understands. He is a good player and he can help the team.”
Marsch reveals text message details to USA midfielder
Marsch added that he sent his player a message before the World Cup got underway, reminding the youngster to put the team’s best interests ahead of his own. Aaronson is just 22 years old, and looks set to be a mainstay in the USA squad in the years to come.
Marsch said: “I texted Brenden before the tournament started and that was one of the things I said to him. ‘Don’t worry about what your role is, just commit to the team, give everything you have. The World Cup is a special moment. Believe in the group, believe in the coach, and now when you’re called upon be ready to make an impact in every way that you possibly can.’
“Brenden doesn’t require big reminders like that. He’s such a good kid, he’s a team player all the way and he’ll do whatever it takes.”
The USA secured a spot in the last 16 of the World Cup after going through Group B undefeated. They drew with both Wales and England before a 1-0 win over Iran sent Berhalter’s men through.
It means everything. pic.twitter.com/KZUinM4VAM
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 30, 2022
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!