The American has polarised Leeds United opinion but is enjoying an impressive Premier League return.
Leeds United star Brenden Aaronson admits it has been ‘tough’ to deal with boos from his own fans on two separate occasions.
Aaronson has come in for regular scrutiny during his four-year spell at Leeds, one of which was spent on loan at Union Berlin in Germany. The American’s work-rate has never even threatened to be questioned but particularly during difficult periods for the team as a whole, frustration has been aimed his way from the stands.
Leeds fans made their feelings clear on returning loanees Aaronson and Max Wober at the start of their 2024/25 Championship campaign – albeit the former at least helped himself by addressing his decision to leave in pre-season. The attacking midfielder has now opened up on the mental challenges he faced during that period.
“When I decided to come back to Leeds, it was definitely a tough decision,” Aaronson told Sky Sports. “The fanbase is so loyal, it’s amazing, they care about the team so much. They love this club to death. So I kind of knew what I was getting back into. Even coming back and knowing what was going to happen mentally, getting booed at first was tough.
“But I knew I had to go out on the pitch and show it. I was really fortunate to score in my first game back. I had maybe three goals in the first five games (two in four). Then we had a great season. I played the most minutes last year besides maybe a couple of other guys and we got promoted.”
Aaronson has enjoyed another decent season in front of goal, this time back in the Premier League, with four goals and five assists making him the joint-second most productive player in Daniel Farke’s squad. But it’s not been plain sailing and the attacking midfielder was once again a focus of overall frustration during a period of six defeats in seven through autumn.
Brenden Aaronson reflects on Leeds United Premier League return
Farke admitted after November’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa that Aaronson ‘polarises’ opinion but launched a strong defence of his attacker. A formation switch and improvement in overall team form has helped the 25-year-old enjoy an excellent season.
“There’s been ups and downs, even at the beginning of the season when my fiancée heard I was getting booed,” he added. “I probably wasn’t playing the best at that moment in time, but I didn’t think I was bad. But she heard that and was lying to me basically, telling me they weren’t. I appreciated that a lot because at that time it would have hurt me. But then you get through it, another up and down.
“This season has been a great season. There’s just been such a buzz. I felt like I had confidence in putting pressure on myself. I wasn’t putting pressure on myself in a negative way. It was positive, thinking ‘the team needs me, I need to go do my thing, do my part’. The biggest thing I learned through that period was the change of headspace, learning how to come in every day and be blessed for what you’re doing.
“What I’ve always been my whole life is relentless. I don’t give up. I keep fighting for what I want and what I want is to play at the highest level. I’m so blessed and that’s why every day I try to come in, I try to apply myself the best I can. I work extra every single day. It’s benefited me so much this season.”