Leeds United winger Brenden Aaronson believes USA players now have greater respect from their fellow pros in the Premier League.

Aaronson, alongside US teammate Tyler Adams, has impressed for the Whites this season under compatriot Jesse Marsch and both players could feature in their nation's World Cup clash against England on Friday evening.

"I think a lot of American players have paved the way over here and haven't got enough credit for that," he told Sky Sports.

"Over the years there's been a ton of guys that have played in the Premier League and even in Europe. They have really made a name for us over here.

"Now you see a lot of Americans getting chances and it's unbelievable to see the amount of Americans playing on weekends, the number has just gone up and it will continue to do that.

"Time has changed and the perception of American players has changed too. Look at players like Christian Pulisic, he's so dynamic on the ball and has the technique and that's growing in American players and can be seen in Europe."

Adams, who recently became the USA's youngest captain at a World Cup since 1950, pointed to former Fulham star and current national team general manager Brian McBride as an example of those who helped develop a pathway for future stars.

He explained: "Brian McBride is obviously one of the guys that paved the way for Americans to come to England and he did that so well. Now we work first-hand with him on the national team and we can have conversations with him about what it was like back in the day when he was playing for Fulham.

"I think he even has a pub named after him in Fulham!"