Three Reasons Every American Should Become a Leeds Fan
I jumped on the Leeds bandwagon at the end of 2020 after watching the documentary 'Take us Home.' The Leeds story is not too different from other English clubs. Another wealthy business man takes over ownership of a working class club with very rich history. Yet with the guidance and inspiring ethics of a legendary futbol coach, Marcelo Bielsa, the club transforms culture and history through their return to the Premier League. At the end of the 21/22 season, the Bielsa effect seemed to have taken a tole, exhausting players with discipline and worn out strategy. The owner, Andrea Radrizzani, made an executive decision to sack Bielsa in replace of the Premier League's first American head coach, Jesse Marsch. My attention soon turned from intrigue to pride. Who would have ever guessed my patriotism? So here are the 3 key Americans that matter this season, to Leeds United, and to World Futbol.
Jesse Marsch
About as Midwest as one can get, it is difficult to believe that the only American to have coached a winning side in the Champions League hails from Racine, Wisconsin. Confident and level headed, Marsch stands at the foot of Elland Road's chaotic supporter section, applauding shirtless hooligans with vigor. He is no Ted Lasso. While his coaching experience and accolades may have started in the States, winning a Supporters' Shield with the New York Red Bulls, and working under Bob Bradley with the U.S. Men's National Team, his coaching experience has expanded to RB Leipzig, working with legend Ralf Ragnick, and eventually, RB Salzburg. It is no surprise that his time in Austria has influenced his coaching philosophy.
He is a man of aggressive futbol that capitalizes off the value of high pressing and reactive counter pressing. The game is quick, and his players are expected to think even quicker. You can expect this style out of Leeds this year, which is an accurate fit coming from Bielsa's philosophy of aggression and transition. Yet where Marsch differs from Bielsa is his adaptability to solve problems. Marsch's natural line up is a 4-2-3-1, but fluid rotations are a common occurrence. The Wisconsin manager stresses the importance of not tactics alone, but rather the principles of play and how the message is received on the field. Of course his arrival has been met with opposition, yet this is nothing new for Marsch. He has met opposition from club supporters in New York and Austria. The pressure is a privilege for him.
Brendan Aaronson
Following Marsch to Leeds, Brendan Aaronson is a 21 year old kid from Medford, New Jersey, valued for his tenacity and stamina. Starting his career at Philadelphia Union, Aaronson made the jump to RB Salzburg in 2021. Marsch has used Aaronson previously as an attacking midfielder and winger in various situations, and while his role with Leeds has mainly been that of a right side attacker and pressing machine, chances are good that he will shift centrally. His debut in the Premier League has turned heads on the world stage. Creating problems for Wolves' left back with his press, Aaronson contributed to a 2-1 win over Wolves in the opening match of the Premier League. Even The Athletic notes, statistically, Aaronson produced more pressure than anyone in the league's opening weekend. His style is defined by hard work and tenacity, with still so much room to grow.
Tyler Adams
Adams signed with Leeds shortly after Aaronson, and similar to Aaronson, Adams fits the mold of a Leeds player. He is hungry and fearless. Kickstarting a senior career in his hometown of New York, he made the Red Bull move to Leipzig in 2019. This season will be Adams' third stint working with Jesse Marsch, most definitely in the role of an attacking midfielder. Adams has no problem laying tackles, sprinting long distances, and holding other teammates accountable. After my jealousy subsides, hope starts to take it's place, knowing that Leeds paid a $20 million transfer fee to a 23 year old American. This is hope for a future generation of American prospects that will seek out a career in Europe. This is hope for a national team that has finally prioritized young talent competing at the highest level.
There are more Americans competing in the Premier League, like crafty Christian Pulisic. There are many Americans competing all over Europe. Yet for now, I'll be the one in the back of the bar, with a white and yellow scarf, screaming at the TV.
