Brenden Aaronson started his first game for the United States since the beginning of the 2025-26 season during a 2-1 win over Paraguay, and USA fans had their say on the Leeds United ace.

At the beginning of the season, 25-year-old Aaronson was expected to be used as an impact player off the bench. Especially, with the no.10 role omitted for an extra midfielder by manager Daniel Farke.

Yet, Aaronson has started eight Premier League games in a row now, with Dan James and Willy Gnonto enduring an injury-hit campaign of late. In his last three games, Aaronson has had a hand in two goals.

Scoring the winner against West Ham and almost scoring the goal of the season after hitting the bar, Aaronson then laid on an assist for Lukas Nmecha. Albeit, the pass was an easy 10-yard knock to his right.

Brenden Aaronson in action for the United States against Paraguay.Photo by Omar Vega/Getty ImagesUSA supporters discuss Brenden Aaronson ahead of World Cup

For USA fans, the 2026 World Cup is more important than most. Mauricio Pochettino must get his team selection right next summer, with the World Cup being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In September, Aaronson was left out of the side. His last start came in a Gold Cup match against Haiti in June but it now appears Aaronson is working his way back into Pochettino’s thinking at the moment.

As he continues to start Premier League games, Aaronson is being entrusted more and more by the former Tottenham gaffer. In the early hours of Sunday morning, USA fans discussed Aaronson’s display.

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While he didn’t have a direct impact on the scoreline, his energy and decision-making were praised. One fan said he was “balling under the radar” again. Another simply said he “played well again” for the US.

One fan summed Aaronson up in a nutshell. He said Aaronson is “fast, a pest, and energetic”. But he then said Aaronson needs to “harness” that energy and play on the “edge of control”. There was criticism, too.

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Others summed up what Leeds fans think about Aaronson, suggesting he “does nothing”. Another USMNT fan said that “if this guy can play for a Premier League team, most of this squad can, too.”

More criticised Aaronson. One said he was the “king of overdribbling”, while another said: “Aaronson is world-class at dribbling twice while looking extremely dangerous before losing it in dramatic fashion.”

Who starts for Leeds United against Aston Villa next Sunday?

This is an interesting one. Farke left Willy Gnonto out of his squad against Forest, one of the brushes used to tarnish the Leeds manager with after the 3-1 hammering at the City Ground. A very bizarre decision.

Then, there is Dan James. The Welshman came off the bench at Forest and arguably provided Leeds’ best attacking spark of the lot in the short time he was on the pitch. James got an assist on Sunday afternoon.

But the chances are, Farke sticks with Aaronson. Leeds’ fixture against Villa has been moved to Sunday due to Unai Emery’s side playing in the Europa League, and it gives Aaronson an extra day to recover.

Had Leeds played on Saturday, Aaronson might have been facing a race against time to start for given the USA face Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay at midnight on Wednesday. Aaronson is favourite to start.