Brenden Aaronson

Put Aaronson in Odegaard's place at Arsenal and Arteta adds 10+ points to the Arsenal's standings.

Adams and Aaronson at Arsenal? That's your triple A soccer right there. I'd be taking a breakfast of donuts at Beulahland at 4;30 AM just like old times.


Five Reasons to Watch Arsenal FC at Beulahland in Portland, Oregon - YouTube

 

Now I want to go to Beuhlahland

 

Ah, I didn't realize you lived in Portland! I used to be a Beulahland regular.

 

This is why I don't want to see Aaronson go to Leeds. I think this is it for Bielsa. He's already passed his usual shelf life at a club, and I just don't see him sticking around. He's put the club in a better place than he found it, but it seems like a new voice is needed.

My worry would be BA goes to Leeds to play for Bielsa, and then a new coach with a new style comes in. Now I do think Aaronson is the type of player that could start at a mid-table Premier League team, so maybe this isn't that big of a deal. But I really don't want to see him be a "system guy" and then have the system leave.

 

While I agree that Bielsa usually doesn't last long (because he wears out players and they get tired of playing for him), to be fair to him, this year Leeds have been riddled with injuries almost the entire season so far, especially the last couple of games. They only had 8 senior players available today. Then again, he needs to change his tactics, park the bus, and hope for the best. But he doesn't and they get smoked.

 

Hard agree that injuries have done a big number on Leeds. I would say that I still thought they were on the downslide even before the injuries really started to mount.

I don't say that to rip Bielsa. What he's done for Leeds is a major accomplishment. I just started watching soccer in the early 2000s when Leeds was making a Champions League semifinal, so I know they have been a club with very lofty heights during the 21st century. While I know a number of people don't like Leeds, I think they make the Premier League much more interesting. I just feel like the combination of the Covid-induced fixture congestion and Bielsa's style of play is just wearing on the team.

 

Like I said, he wears players out. Your feeling is right in that sense. It's why he moves every couple years. But even before it was considered an injury crisis they would have three guys out, a couple would return, then a couple more would go out, and on and on. He just won't change style to adapt to that fact. I was listening to TalkSport this afternoon and a Leeds fan called in to complain about one of the hosts' (I think Gaby Abonglahor) opinion on Leeds - the fan said he was happy with the Man City game because Leeds still tried to play with City. Gaby was like "you're happy getting scored on?" It was a funny exchange.

 

If anyone runs across a definitive update on young Mr. Aaronson's knee, this might be a good place to put it.

Thanks.

 

Out 3 or so weeks with a partially torn MCL. No surgery required.

 

Thanks.

Just found this:
https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ne...nder-of-world-cup-qualifying-with-mcl-injury/

 

Sigh.

 

New reports of Brandon to Leeds: https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/03/...eading-race-to-sign-big-talent-valued-at-25m/

 

…but for real now?!

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/sour...eal-to-sign-usmnt-midfielder-brenden-aaronson

 

Leeds have given Marsch such hate for being American, I hope BA gets another offer.

 

I hope they coach and play good enough to change minds. I imagine Dempsey had to change a lot of minds and he did it.

 

If BA is the next Dempsey, I'm all for it.

 

There's only one Clint Dempsey. He's the mentally strongest player I have ever seen in my life. Coming out of Furman in 2004, no one would have believed he had a future in the Premier League, but no one told Clint, and he willed himself there. 57 Premier League goals and 57 national team goals. Legend.

 

While I think Aronson will add towards a stronger Leeds, what they really need is someone (or two) in defense. Second only to Norwich in goals against.

 

While Leeds could definitely do with upgrades everywhere, a lot of the goals conceded can be blamed on Bielsa's man marking system.

 

I'd have to agree because it dovetails so neatly into San Jose and their man marking system. When they first did it it caused all sorts of problems for teams that hadn't seen it and had little time to prepare but over time teams became used to it and started tearing them up just like at Leeds. It would be perfect if you could use it 2-3 times a year as a change up but regular use wears out players and has diminishing returns.

 

Jay DeMerit literally played for pub team. If Turner succeeds in PL he takes the prize.

 

Aaron Ramsdale is a top keeper. It's a tough ask.

 

Not necessary this year. Of course if he supplants Ramsdale he jumps to the head of the line, though I'm skeptical it happens despite of being his fan.

 

BA opens the scoring in Cincy!!! pic.twitter.com/IivRaTp7B6

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 2, 2022

 

It’s amazing, his touch video (linked below) is just full of created chances and smart decision-making.

Gets a goal on a sequence where he started out deeper than the other midfielders when Zimmerman’s ball is played, but just takes off on a dead sprint to be in the right place for the finish.

Easily could have had 2 assists tonight if Jesus and Haji finish.

His smart shot also led to a great rebound that Pulisic turned into a PK.

Also got stuck in and made some quality tackles.

Oh and drew 2 yellow cards.

The man is crushing it.