Owen Hargreaves has told the Kelly & Wrighty Show that Leeds United playmaker Brenden Aaronson is “fantastic”, and will have “surprised” Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with his explosive speed to get his first goal for the Whites.
Aaronson, 21, has made a stunning start to life at Leeds in the Premier League. Starting all three games, he still maintains he got the winner in a 2-1 victory over Wolves – though it has gone down as a Rayan Ait-Nouri own goal.
Against Chelsea, he was one of Jesse Marsch’s best players – along with USMNT teammate Tyler Adams. Jack Harrison and Rodrigo were also excellent. Leeds shocked everybody to win 3-0 at Elland Road against Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Hargreaves has heaped enormous praise on USA international Aaronson. He applauded his “fantastic” work rate, and says £22million Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy will have been “surprised” at just how quick Aaronson is, for the first goal.
“I really like him, he’s a fantastic young player and his work ethic is fantastic, too. High energy, high intensity. That’s what you want to do [to Chelsea], put them under pressure. Mendy was probably surprised by the speed of Aaronson.”
Owen Hargreaves: Leeds playmaker Brenden Aaronson is ‘fantastic’
Aaronson was incredible. A brilliant performance from the youngster. It is a timely reminder that Aaronson is just 21. He is in a new country, a new league. One that many might have thought might have been too physical for him.
He is slight. But he has the footballing intelligence and presence of mind to pick up positions where his perceived lack of strength is not required. His aggression and tenacity certainly helps him overcome a lack of physicality, too.
If Leeds are going to do anything good this season, and seven points from a possible nine suggests they will, Aaronson will be key to that. Certainly, he is already increasing the £25million transfer fee Leeds paid to sign him.
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