Pascal Struijk has been quoted by Leeds Live as praising playmaker Brenden Aaronson despite Leeds United’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday – with Aaronson hitting the post after a mazy run; Struijk scoring the rebound.
Aaronson, 21, was one of nine summer signings at Elland Road in the summer. The United States international has started all of his new club’s eight Premier League matches – scoring against Chelsea, and creating against Everton.
The playmaker maintained that he scored the winner against Wolves, too – which went down as a Rayan Ait-Nouri own goal. He came within an inch of opening the scoring at Selhurst Park, only for the ball to strike Vicente Guaita’s post.
A superb effort, after some twinkle-toed feet to get past a number of players. The rebound fell to Struijk who opened the scoring. The Netherlands defender praised Aaronson following the 2-1 loss, as Palace came from behind to win.
“He’s really good. You can see his quality. In the first couple of games, he’s shown he’s really good. Especially against Chelsea with all the running, hard work off the ball. Really pleased for him, he’s adapted so well. A really good player.”
Struijk praises Leeds playmaker Aaronson despite defeat
Aaronson looks a real talent. It is easy to forget that he is still only 21, given the club paid £25million to sign him. But at 21, he is already very experienced – 131 appearances at club level for Philadelphia, Salzburg and now Leeds United.
Of course, he has clocked up 21 caps for the USMNT – scoring six goals. He is a top talent and in this Leeds side, under a manager like Jesse Marsch, he is only going to get better. Marsch is giving him the platform to get better and better.
What Leeds must become wary of is that one, or two years down the line, Aaronson may be the subject of interest from bigger clubs. But, he has recently spoken of his desire to become a “legend” at Elland Road, hinting at his future.
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