When you’re the second most expensive American player of all time, it’s understandable that expectations are fairly high. It’s not your fault, but that’s life. With his chiselled cheeks, boyish good looks, glorious wavy hair and nimble feet, we all got a bit excited about Brenden Aaronson. Had we finally found a successor to Pablo Hernandez? Had we a new wizard-like technician to lead our attacking efforts?

Aaronson has become an unwitting focal point of frustration for fans. We were originally enamoured with his dainty touch and dexterity, but now you frequently hear voices lamenting his lack of physicality. Brenden may try to dance his way through ninety minutes, feet landing so lightly that the grass barely bends, but his opponents simply use their mass to push him off the ball.

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