Brenden Aaronson’s playmaker masterclass against Bayern shows he’s more ‘Medford Muller’ than ‘Medford Messi’
Salzburg saw out an impressive Champions League round-of-16 first leg draw against European regulars Bayern Munich.
The Austrian outfit were in the mood for a bit of script-defying action on the night, catching the Bavarians cold in the opening exchanges and breaking the deadlock through early substitute and highly-regarded forward Chukwubuike Adamu.
It was an expertly-taken goal by the 20-year-old, engineered by 21-year-old Brenden Aaronson, with the Champions League greenhorns combining expertly in tandem to breach one of Europe’s most watertight and experienced backlines.
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Aaronson, heralded the ‘Medford Messi’ by some, in reference to his home town in New Jersey and the deceptive dribbling skills he exhibits — which have drawn parallels to the PSG superstar — played like a man possessed against the German giants.
On the night, the United States international created a match-high five chances, more than any other player on the pitch, including Thomas Muller, a man who has risen to become Europe’s leading assist-merchant over the past few seasons.
The Germany legend has registered 78 assists since the start of 2017/18, more than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues, consolidating his position as the continent’s playmaker kingpin — but tonight it was Aaronson who stole the show (for the most part).
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Muller, in typical Muller fashion, set up Kingsley Coman in the dying embers to snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat, showing Aaronson that no matter the complexion of any game, a man of his experience and knowhow can strike at any moment.
Karim Adeyemi was another young buck who also rose to the occasion and really proved the hype he has been generating. Once on the books of Bayern, the 20-year-old showcased frightening pace, awareness and skill to cause Julian Nagelsmann’s defence to stay alert for the 87 minutes he was on the pitch.
2021/22 Champions League outright odds with William Hill…
- Man City – 9/4
- Liverpool – 4/1
- Bayern – 9/2
- PSG – 8/1
- Chelsea – 9/1
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After the match Owen Hargreaves waxed lyrical about the up-and-comer to the BT Sports studio, suggesting he will have no shortage of suitors in the coming transfer windows.
He said: “A lot of teams will be getting their chequebooks out for him because against Bayern, world-class players step up to the stage, and he stepped up.”
19-year-old Karim Adeyemi has scored more goals than any other player in the Austrian Bundesliga so far this season:
◎ 13 games
◉ 11 goals#SquawkaScoutpic.twitter.com/eALiHxz4cq— Squawka (@Squawka) November 16, 2021
