On one play, Aaronson did well to get clear at the top of the box but chose to shoot (it was blocked) rather than layoff to wide open teammate. Was unfortunate choice I thought. (Around 1:30 in his video highlights above.)
I watched the game and remember that play. I too thought the pass was the better option but I don't think it was a terrible decision.
He had two shots blocked, and one was the one where he really should have passed the ball instead. However, I will say that I was impressed with the power on both of his blocked shots, and that he's feeling confident at trying to rip it (both shots appeared to have on-goal trajectories). I can't really remember seeing him strike a ball with that force before--he's always been a finesse shooter. I'll call it an improvement in the shooting department, even if he definitely should have passed on the one opportunity.
Starts: Here's how we line up for the last game of 2021! 💪 #RBSWSG pic.twitter.com/6FQEtEiLlC— FC Red Bull Salzburg EN (@FCRBS_en) December 11, 2021
Red Bull Salzburg now up 5-0 on WSG Tirol. Brenden Aaronson assisted on Karim Adeyemi’s finish to make it 4-0. Aaronson has created the most chances (6). #USMNT— Larry Henry Jr (@lhenry019) December 11, 2021
Aaronson vs Tirol 12/11/21 pic.twitter.com/T5PeP7wNue— CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE STAN (@JordanDunathan) December 12, 2021
Wow. Excellent game from Aaronson by all appearances. It's hard to believe all these highlights are from just one game! There are more notable plays in this than the whole season highlights of Taylor Booth that someone posted recently.
drawn against Bayern Munich in CL. They'll get beat, of course, but it will be a great education for Brenden in terms of tactics and movement at the very highest level of European soccer. Hope the kid can take whatever occurs in stride and just relax/play his game. Nothing to lose and he'll get his 1 day PhD in soccer that day. If he shows really well, might get on the radar of even more top clubs in Europe for a summer purchase. Would love to see Brenden go to the French league next, where he could run the show for some team.
I wonder if Salzburg will try to hold onto Aaronson longer knowing they're going to sell Adeyemi soon and for, presumably, a large fee
He can, but the key is finding the right club situation and becoming a key cog and not an accessory, which seems to happen to often for our YAs Would prefer more responsibility in a bit lesser league.
Sorry for the 2 part post, but I think it all depends also where you see his best position. I see his best career as a Modric-type in the middle, not as precise/incisive with passing (maybe that comes?), but faster. The exquisite positioning he could learn over time. So this leaves him fewer options in the teams you mentioned. He's not going to 'own' the center of the pitch off the bat (for most/all of the clubs you mentioned) and will have to bide his time (similar to Reyna at Dortmund). Hence, I'd prefer a Euro league French club where they believe in him to run the show from the middle vs. playing outside mid or winger somewhere else (where, again, he may be spare parts the first year or 2).
B. Aaronson highlights vs Wolfsburg pic.twitter.com/AT0YvIO2PO— USAexpat (@silentpard) December 13, 2021
"Leipzig ready"? Per source. Still some debate on what is going to happen with Caden Clark this winter. #RBLeipzig wants him to play. Also, and this is related, Brenden Aaronson is seen as “Leipzig ready.” #RBNY #RBSalzburg #USMNT— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) December 13, 2021
RBL would be the natural progression if they think he’s ready. He has made a huge leap over the past 12 months, that’s for damn sure.
Going to RBL would be great if he gets to play. I am perfectly content with him remaining at RBS for the remainder of the season.
On the other hand... RBS drawing Bayern means that he will only get two more games in Europe this year [because there is no way in **** that RBS beats Bayern.]... if he went to RBL I think he would stand a good chance to play more in Europa League. At any rate, I still think he has things to improve on... particularly his finishing. So I still think remaining with RBS as the #1 option at the 10 slot is a good idea. For sure better than possibly getting minimal minutes for RBL. I mean, who are they going to sit in favor of Aaronson? Not sure how long until Olmo comes back but he isn't going to play over Nkunku.
Totally agreed on all points. He also has a very, very heavy shot, surprisingly so given his size. If he can get some of those on goal as opposed to off target or blocked, he'll reach double digits in goals most years.
If he can move in Jan he should do it. Has 5 months to train and prepare with RBL even if he doesn't play much, and then will have a full preseason in the summer, which means he can fight for a starting spot. I think it would be riskier to go to RBL in the summer and have zero playing time when trying to make the 23 for Qatar.