Brenden Aaronson is the latest guest to feature on the official Leeds United podcast, joining Emma Jones, Michael Bridges and Stuart Dallas for an in-depth conversation.

Speaking on the Leeds United podcast, the USA international opens up on his love of classic rock, his competitive upbringing and the challenges he has faced on and off the pitch during his time at Elland Road.

From pre-match rituals to handling social media, Aaronson offers a candid insight into his journey so far, in a wide-ranging episode available now.

Brenden on his love for classic rock:

"I do love classic rock. My dad, when driving the car, would always have classic rock on - the Eagles in particular. Growing up, I just remember him driving me to training and having a bunch of bands on.

‘One of These Nights’ is something I listen to before every game. It’s kind of like a little ritual I do - I’ve been doing it for a long time now.

I have a record player at home. I love collecting records, and it’s something my fiancée and I like to do - going around different cities and looking at record shops. I don’t like to get them online, I like to go in-store and find them."

Brenden on his perfect day:

"Definitely when I’m back home in the US. Waking up, getting a golf round in with my dad and my brother - my dad belongs to a club over there - I love playing there.

I love early tee times, around 7am, getting that done for the day, then driving down to the beach house, listening to the Eagles, and then just spending time with family, my fiancée and my grandparents."

Brenden on his competitive side:

"It was definitely instilled from a young age. Having my younger brother, [Colorado Rapids’ Paxten Aaronson], three years younger than me, you’re constantly competing.

We were best friends from such a young age, but the coolest thing about our relationship was that we’d always be competitive no matter what - whether it was ping pong, basketball, baseball, or any American sport.

My dad is someone who’s always been about football. From a young age, he’d always be there to train us, but he’d never be the type to say, ‘Let’s go out now and train.’ He wanted us to say it - he wasn’t pushing, he wanted to see the drive in us, to make sure we wanted to be the best."

Brenden on training in his basement:

"Our basement was always just stuff they’d put down there from Christmas time, furniture, etc., but we had this little patch - maybe 15 feet by 15 feet - with rolled carpet and concrete walls.

It’s funny, as Stuart said, the most underrated part of my game is probably my turning in between the lines, and that just started from the basement, knocking the ball off walls.

My dad would always tell me to work on that, as it comes in handy when you’re not the biggest guy on the pitch - being able to turn and drive the ball, little movements that can knock the defender off balance. All you need is a wall and a ball."

Brenden on social media:

"I came in, scored against Wolves, against Chelsea, and hit the ground running, so it was easy. But then you hit a period where you’re not getting goals or assists - and that’s what you’re brought in to do - that was a shock for me.

I didn’t know how to stay away from social media. I’d never really had hate like that, so it was difficult.

I’ve learned a lot that I’ve brought into today’s game. Now it doesn’t bother me - you grow, you go through things, and that’s how you get better."