“It is super exciting,” Leeds United’s American international Brenden Aaronson explained after the curtain fell on the Premier League season, looking ahead to the summer’s FIFA World Cup held in the States. “It is going to be a dream for me and my family, for them to be at the games and to just represent my country on home soil is something that I will never forget.”

The thoroughly deserved call up comes after an impressive campaign for the versatile forward, who has grabbed four goals and five assists from the flanks, in a creative midfield role and even playing just off the centre-forward. Brenden had featured in top-flight football before in England but this time around, with more experience and maturity under his belt, he is delighted with his progression at Elland Road.

“I have developed a tonne,” added the 25-year-old, reflecting on his performances throughout the term. “I think early on, you know, I had to put my sleeves up and know that I have to give more and more. I did that. And I think, yeah, throughout the season, I am proud of myself through all the stuff that I have been through. I have kept my head, kept going and kept working on things that I have to work on. I think a lot of things that I worked on came through this season.

“It is football. It has ups and downs. You go through so much in your career and I just know that I had to keep my head on, you know, keep going, work hard and train every day and just keep a good attitude. I think things always come around to positive people and to good people, and that is why I just try to do it.”

Aaronson has been an integral part of Daniel Farke’s side on their return to the Premier League, making 42 appearances across all competitions and collecting January’s Player of the Month accolade, voted by the Leeds United supporters. Football is a team sport, however, and the New Jersey-born attacker is part of a collective that has excelled.

The Whites’ tally of 47 points saw them finish closer to the European qualification spots than the relegation zone, competitive in almost every game and leaving everything out there on the pitch. Countless memories were made at Elland Road and beyond by a squad Brenden is honoured to be a part of.

“I am proud of the group. Coming in, a lot of people counted us out. I think a lot of people thought that we weren’t going to be able to compete but I think we showed it. We went on big unbeaten streaks throughout the season in moments. We were pretty high up the table when it comes to games since December. There are so many positives to take away, so many guys that have had fantastic seasons but now the focus is onto the next season and to take another step.

“The unity in this group is not like I have ever seen before. The locker room is amazing – so many great personalities, so many great people that just get along. We are a big family and I think we fight for each other. We have shown that all season.

“I think when we have to run in games, when we have to defend, all the guys aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and do the dirty work. That is what makes us Leeds at the end of the day. It makes us the team that we have been this season. We definitely need to take things from that into the next season.”

Notoriously, the second term after promotion can be just as, if not more, difficult for teams that have come up from the Sky Bet Championship. As the American alludes to, United have set a benchmark this time around in terms of the work rate and commitment. Brenden hopes the foundations have been laid to build on as he finishes by discussing the outlook for the future from within camp.

“To go as far as we can,” is the aim he says. “I think that there is no limit on this team. We have had, like I said, such great unbeaten runs. We have competed against the best all season, besides Arsenal, but next season we are going to compete against Arsenal. That is the game plan. I think everybody on our team are winners. We are competitive and we are going to continue to fight for each other.”