As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, USMNT players are strategically positioning themselves for squad selection. Midfielder Paxten Aaronson believes his best path involves solidifying his role at Eintracht Frankfurt this season, following a productive loan spell at FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie. Now back with Frankfurt for preseason, Aaronson recently experienced a poignant moment, facing his former youth club, the Philadelphia Union.
“If I want a chance at that [World Cup squad], I don’t think there’s any better club than Eintracht. When you look at what they’ve done business-wise in terms of developing young players, that’s one thing that attracted me when I first came to the club. How well they’ve done at developing young guys and the time that they’ve put in. So I have no doubt that along with the coach and everybody that they’re fully on board in terms of development and the things that I need to work on.”
This developmental focus is precisely why the Bundesliga has become a favored destination for American footballers seeking to advance their careers overseas. The emphasis on consistent playing time coupled with targeted guidance for improvement is crucial for success, a benefit Aaronson has clearly experienced. Despite two prior loan spells, his impressive tally of 12 goals and assists at Utrecht, which helped them qualify for European competition, positions him for a more prominent role, ideally with a Champions League-bound team.
Fortunately for Aaronson, his current club, Eintracht Frankfurt, provides that very opportunity, having secured third place in the Bundesliga last season and qualifying for the Champions League League Phase. Manager Dino Toppmöller will require depth and versatility within his squad, qualities Aaronson can readily offer due to his adaptable playing style.
“Paxten is a player who feels very comfortable in the center of the game. He exhibits excellent activity and was always available against Louisville. He possesses a keen sense for space, is dangerous, and can score goals. So there he showed that he’s really a box-to-box player.”
While the primary attacking midfield role might be occupied by Mario Götze, Aaronson`s utility lies in his versatility – his ability to play on the wing, alongside Götze, or in deeper positions, offering diverse attacking options for Frankfurt. Toppmöller`s comments subtly indicate Frankfurt`s desire to assess Aaronson`s progress post-Utrecht loan and his potential contribution this season. By involving him centrally, the club is setting the stage for Aaronson to seize opportunities and prove his worth.
At just 21, and during a pivotal summer, Aaronson finds himself in an advantageous position, which he is determined to leverage fully. His loan spell not only acclimated him to the European lifestyle but also significantly enhanced his versatility. This was evident in his performance against the Union, where he operated effectively as a second number 10 in the second half, comfortably dictating play from deeper positions. Such developed skills earned him a Gold Cup call-up, fueling his ambition for further progress.
“I developed so much and in many different aspects of my game, learning to play various positions. I believe it was a superb year for my development, allowing me to showcase my abilities.”
Frankfurt`s positive observations extend beyond the coaching staff.
“I’m not the coach or the sports executive, so I view Paxten differently – he`s a great character and a fantastic player. He possesses great skills and made massive strides last year. He’s more aggressive when defending and pressing harder. Now, it’s up to him to demonstrate he can truly succeed here.”
For any player, an opportunity is paramount, and Frankfurt has clearly provided one. With recent squad changes, such as Hugo Ekitike`s move to Liverpool, there`s an increased onus on players like Aaronson to step up and contribute to the club`s progress. Should he capitalize on this chance, a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup squad, representing the United States on home soil, could well be within his reach.
