Marcelo Bielsa walked so Jesse Marsch could run.
If it wasn’t for Bielsa, Leeds United would have taken a lot more time to earmark their place in the Premier League.
But today, Leeds has turned their fortunes around under the American Coach Marsch and sits in the top half of the table after six games.
The club avoided relegation on the ultimate day of the season last year and promised their fans a better 2022/23 campaign.
So far, the season looks on track and the failed signing of Marseille’s fiery forward, Bamba Dieng on deadline day, can be brushed under the carpet, courtesy of another young talent that has the fans all riled up.
He is a 22-year-old playmaker from the United States of America who is enthralled with his performances at Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian League.
Brenden Aaronson is a product of the Philadelphia Union who sailed to Europe for a better future. After winning the league with RB Salzburg, Leeds approached Brenden.
He was excited at the prospect of playing in England and signed with them for a handsome fee of £25 million.
And it wasn’t long till the golden boy showed what he was worth.
In the season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brenden played alongside his compatriot, Tyler Adams, and pressed persistently.
Because of his high work rate up the pitch, Brenden was involved in both the goals that led to Leeds’ victory on the first day of the season.
Marsch sees Brenden in the role of Raphinha.
He aims to allow Brenden to breathe the same creative ability into the side that the Brazilian did before he parted ways with the club.
“Aaronson is relentless. He is none stop. His work rate is incredible. I know him well and the thing I know about him is he is only going to get better.”
And the fans agree with their manager.
After Brenden’s impressive performances in the opening matches, the Leeds faithful reciprocate their love with a new chant for the American playmaker.
The chant is based on the melody of ‘American Boy’ by British songwriter, Estelle and goes:
‘Come to Elland Road and you will see him play.
Signed from Red Bull Salzburg and he’s here to stay.
I really want to, live in Beeston with you.
You’ll be my American boy.
American boy.’
Reactions to the chant have been mixed, but the popularity of the player among the fans is growing. This chant shows that.
Brenden has a goal and an assist in his first six appearances for the club but is touted to achieve great things at Elland Road.
The young lad will also be a pivotal part of the US Men’s National Team in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup, where he will come up against the Three Lions.
We hope that the love doesn’t diminish when he takes on the hand that feeds him.