Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has heaped the praise on Leeds United target Brenden Aaronson following his performance for RB Salzburg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Aaronson provided the assist for Chukwubuike Adamu to open the scoring as the Austrian side were prevented from taking a lead back to the Allianz Arena thanks to Kingsley Coman’s 90th minute goal.
The 21-year-old was a constant thorn in the Bayern side throughout the evening as he became the youngest player in Champions League knockout history since Lionel Messi in 2008 to create five chances and play five key passes in a single match.
Leeds saw two bids for Aaronson turned down last month as Victor Orta and co earmarked him as their number one transfer target.
The Whites are expected to return for Aaronson this summer providing they stay in the division, but with performances like that on the big stage, there will be plenty of competition.
Speaking on CBS Sports on Paramount+, Henry revealed that he has known about Aaronson since he was a teenager following his time in charge of Montreal Impact.
Henry revealed that it is not a shock to him to see the USMNT international doing so well, earmarking his energy and intensity as two of his most impressive traits.
He said: “I like him a lot, Brenden Aaronson. I came across him when I was a coach in Montreal. He killed us with Philadelphia. His activity, the way he sees the game and I have always been a fan of him. Not surprised to see what he is doing right now.
“His awareness, he’s adding goals to his game, he’s got legs and he arrives in the box. But what I like is his activity and the intensity he puts when he provides pressure. It’s unbelievable.
“He’s contagious. Like I said, I came across him in the MLS. The way he plays. His energy.
“Even though in the end, he went to get the ball for a quick throw-in. He’s alert. His intensity is second to none. He could have scored. He’s a good player. I always thought he was going to be a player.”
