Brenden Aaronson admits he’s changed a lot since his first stint in the English Premier League.Aaronson, who is the middle of his second EPL campaign with Leeds United, endured a tough go-around during the 2022-23 season. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder suffered relegation with the Lilywhites back in 2023 before heading on loan to Union Berlin the following season. After playing a key role in Leeds’ return to England’s top-flight, Aaronson has made 12 appearances this season, scoring one goal and adding one assist. He’s started each of Leeds’ last eight matches, helping the club earn wins over Wolves and West Ham United, while also tying AFC Bournemouth. Aaronson believes he’s in a good state of mind and a good run of form as the scene shifts to international duty over the next week. “It’s always a learning process going out there and playing,” Aaronson said on a conference call Wednesday. “But I think I’ve been playing at a good level this year, and I need to continue to get better and better and help the team the best I can.“I think I’ve learned a ton since last time I was in the Premier League,” he added. “I wouldn’t say I was naive [during the 2022-23 season with Leeds], but when you come into a giant club like Leeds and it’s a lot of pressure, and you’re not winning games, you can get down on yourself.”Aaronson has endured some tough moments during his time at Elland Road, which has included scrutiny from the home supporters over multiple campaigns. The 25-year-old has totaled 11 goals and six assists in 101 combined appearances for the club, stats that may be a bit lower than what his reported £24.7 million price tag was from Red Bull Salzburg. Still, Aaronson has continued to fight for his opportunities in West Yorkshire, remaining a key part of the club again this fall. Whether or not he remains a Leeds United player after this season remains to be seen, but for now, he’ll continue having confidence in his abilities at one of England’s historic clubs. “I think that the confidence that I have now and the sustainability of it is at a really good level,” Aaronson said. “I’m happy with my mental space and I think that’s the biggest thing in football. When you’re playing at your best level you have the confidence, and that’s what I feel like is changing my game.”Versatility and a strong work rate has certainly helped Aaronson remain one of the first names on Daniel Farke’s team sheet. Aaronson came through the Philadelphia Union ranks as a central midfielder, but has also featured as a winger and even a false No. 9 at times for Leeds United over his three years there. His defensive pressing and pestering abilities in midfield have continued in 2025 and Aaronson wants to keep those traits going as Leeds United fights to stay above the red line this season. “I play the winger like a No. 10 if I’m being honest with you,” Aaronson said. “I think at [Leeds] my coach talks to me about having the freedom to go and get involved with the game. Of course, he wants the formation, of course he wants me to stay in the positions, but I just kind of go out there and play like I would in the midfield. I don’t really change too much about it.“I’m not a winger that’s going one-v-one or stuff like that,” he added. “I want to be in between lines. I want to be driving with the ball. I want to be playing the final pass and shooting the final shot.”Aaronson’s focus will shift to the USMNT for friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay before returning to club action on Nov. 23 against Aston Villa.