Mauricio Pochettino truly is a man of his word. A few days ago, the Argentinian tactician addressed Brenden Aaronson’s playing situation. He just played 4 minutes under Gregg Berhalter in the 2024 Copa América. Pochettino decided to extend a helping hand and even said, “We need to help him to discover his real position.” It seems things are already underway, as Aaronson has acknowledged that he has ‘learned‘ a lot under the new USMNT manager.

Having been called for this month’s friendly fixtures against Panama and Mexico, the Leeds United star is already loving life under the new manager—albeit the kind of help he is getting. “The last couple days, getting to know him, getting know the whole staff around him, it’s been really good,” said Aaronson to Inquirer.

“I feel like we’ve already learned a lot. We learned about the style of play that we want to play today at training. … I think everybody’s really ready to learn from him, and you can just see the buzz and excitement.”

Sharing the kind of philosophy that Pochettino is teaching the players, Aaronson said the team will follow a ‘high intensity’ game. The American boys are eager to spend most of the time on the opposition’s half with full possession. “I think what he wants is just a confident team, and that’s what we’re going to be.” While the team tactics are sorted, what about his own position?

Fear not, it seems after a brief talk, Aaronson knows his fixed spot for the NT. “I’m always a guy that can play different positions, but I think where I’m playing at my club right now, the No. 10 and in between the lines — maybe as an 8, too — is my best position. So, yeah, just try to keep playing there and get better and better,” concluded Aaronson.

Sorted!

In his own words, Brenden looks confident that he is ready to rumble on the pitch. Just the referee’s whistle awaits him to kick off the next game. Of course, that’s one way to go. However, this might be the only chance to make a permanent breakthrough in the team!

A make or break deal for Brenden Aaronson under Mauricio Pochettino

Perhaps the saddest part about being a versatile player is that you might as well end up becoming a super-sub for the team, leaving no concrete place for you in the starting XI. Unfortunately, Brenden Aaronson had to suffer through such a rare quality that isn’t seen in many. However, now that he is back in the national camp, the midfielder should consider this chance for good.

In fact, Aaronson should be lucky that names like Gio Reyna and Tim Weah aren’t fit to be featured in this window. Otherwise, these names always dominate the starting XI. Their presence would have made it hard for the Leeds midfielder to prove himself, not just for regular call-ups to the camp, but for a place in the World Cup squad.

Hence, there is no better opportunity for him than this to finally make his mark.