GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including Aaronson's first Premier League goal in 3 years
We're all Brenden Aaronson fans now. What a confusing player he is. The Philadelphia Union product was always renowned for his work rate, but there's certainly more to him than his pressing and running ability. The issue? He doesn't show it enough.
Well, he produced the kind of performance for Leeds this weekend that shows why he may yet have his moment for the USMNT. He scored one, and almost added a ridiculous second to secure a 2-1 win for his side. And just like that, Mauricio Pochettino has another decision to make.
He wasn't the only one to perform. Marseille lost twice this week, and looked well off the pace. Well, no one told Tim Weah. He assisted in a loss for Roberto De Zerbi's side, but continues to impress – and might have just found a club that suits him.
There were other moments of promise, too, highlighted by an assist for Tyler Adams. And in a period marred by injuries – Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson are both struggling with knocks – those small victories are more significant.
There were some underperformances, too. It was a poor weekend for the striker pool. Josh Sargent's cold streak continued. Ricardo Pepi's impact was minimal. And Folarin Balogun was held scoreless.
GOAL looks at the major takeaways from this weekend's Americans Abroad.
Getty Images SportAaronson's statement game
This was, almost certainly, the most impressive game of Brenden Aaronson's career. It was, at the very least, his best Premier League performance. From his early goal to his ridiculous run through the West Ham midfield and defense, Aaronson put on one hell of a show for Leeds on Friday.
Aaronson was far and away the best player on the field in Leeds' 2-1 win over lowly West Ham. He scored the opener just three minutes in, pouncing on a rebound for his first Premier League goal in three years. That goal could be a breakthrough moment for Aaronson, who continues his quest to prove that he is, in fact, a Premier League-quality player.
That quality was on full display in the second half, when Aaronson went on a mazy run right on through the entire West Ham team after receiving the ball in his own half. Aaronson wasn't denied by an opponent, but rather by the post. He deserved better, given the quality of his run.
There are caveats, given just how poor West Ham have been this season, but that doesn't take away from just how good Aaronson was. He completed more dribbles than anyone in the match. He created two chances, scored one and won eight of his 10 duels. This was a complete Premier League game from a Premier League player, one that is playing like he has a point to prove.
AdvertisementAFPWeah provides assist as Marseille lose
It was a poor weekend for Marseille. They fell, 2-1, to Lens on Saturday. After taking the lead early, they conceded a penalty in the 23rd minute and scored an own goal in the 53rd. That's not how you want to lose. It's especially bad, though, knowing you could have gone top of Ligue 1 with a victory.
It was, however, a good day for Weah, who picked up his first assist of the season despite the defeat.
That assist came in the 17th minute as Weah received the ball in his right-wing position. After beating a defender, Weah centered a pass for Mason Greenwood, who curled home the opening goal from just outside the box. Despite several solid performances so far for Marseille, it was Weah's first goal contribution of the campaign – and it notably came in an attacking position.
Weah's position is, of course, up for debate. He's largely played as a winger with the USMNT but recently featured as a wingback as part of the team's shift. That role seems to suit him, too, and he's played it plenty on the club level.
Regardless of role, Weah is a player who adds life to the attacking side of the ball. The assist was another example of that.
Getty Images SportAdams 'assists'
Speaking of assists, Tyler Adams doesn't get many. It's not his job, to be fair, to impact the game in the final third. Adams did get an assist for Bournemouth on Sunday, though, and he got it in the quite possibly the most humorous way possible.
Adams didn't tee up a goal with an incisive pass. He didn't beat a defender with a moment of magic. Nope, Adams was fouled on top of the ball and watched as his teammate, Eli Junior Kroupi, drove forward and smashed a shot into the back of the net from 25 yards out. They all count, though, right?
Outside of the "assist." Adams did his usual thing. He committed three fouls to frustrate Nottingham Forest. He had three tackles, too. He, ultimately, helped Bournemouth to a 2-0 victory.
That was stat that mattered, at least to Adams, even though he can surely laugh about his goal contribution.
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GettyMcKennie continues to struggle
Well, that was a bit underwhelming. There is supposed to be a familiar arc to Weston McKennie's seasons. The usual sequence of events: almost gets sold, stays, starts balling, becomes indispensable. So far this season, he has only completed two of those four.
The U.S. International has struggled since Igor Tudor came in, looking a shadow of his best self for both club and country. And he was thoroughly tepid against Lazio on Sunday. So much about his performance was so average – 78 minutes of soccer, one shot skewed wide, a yellow card, a few decent passes.
But he was otherwise just sort of, well, there. In fairness, no one for Juve was really on it. Dusan Vlahovic missed often. Jonathan David continued to struggle. Everything was flat. They could have few complaints about a 1-0 loss.
But for the American, it all looked similar to his performances under Pochettino during the U.S. camp earlier this month. McKennie is supposed to struggle here and there, but the whole point is that he rebounds. But with zero goals, zero assists and little else to report, the rebound is very much yet to come.