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Soccer: Leeds United's American contingent

The January transfer window can be chaotic and unpredictable, but new Leeds United signing Weston McKennie will have felt at home when he walked through the doors of their training ground on Monday.

Players are often told to pack their bags and move to a new club in a different country. While for some, that can be daunting, McKennie knew exactly who would be greeting him in Leeds.

The midfielder is now the third member of the Leeds squad that plays for the USMNT, while Whites boss Jesse Marsch and assistant Chris Armas both hail from the United States. 

Along with Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson, McKennie will hope to keep the club progressing as they try to establish themselves as one of England's biggest clubs. 

Leeds' approach proves there is excellent quality within the USMNT, and they now have four months to prove they belong in the Premier League.

McKennie could thrive alongside his countrymen Leeds United's board had to act fast last month, and they did just that as they strengthened their squad in several areas. 

Marsch was boosted by the arrivals of Maximilian Wober, McKennie and Georginio Rutter, but it is McKennie that could have the biggest say on the United squad. 

Leeds allowed Mateusz Klich to leave for DC United in January, and they desperately need a midfield creator to help them avoid relegation. 

The Whites are +350 to be relegated under Marsch, but McKennie should provide the spark they need in midfield. 

While McKennie is only on loan at Elland Road, he will want to make his move permanent and become an established Premier League star. 

The 24-year-old made 70 appearances for Juventus in two years, and his durability will certainly help Leeds' cause. 

Leeds lack options from midfield on occasions, but in McKennie's own words, he loves being the "box-to-box midfielder". 

The former Schalke player impressed at the recent World Cup in Qatar, starting in all four of the USMNT's games, and Leeds have pulled off a coup by bringing him to West Yorkshire. 

Now McKennie must prove his worth, and he could start by helping his new side beat Nottingham Forest on Sunday at +170

Adams can guide Leeds to safety 

It is fair to say that not all USMNT players are met with open arms in the Premier League, but that cannot be said of Adams. 

Adams, even at 23, seems to have adapted to the culture at Leeds with ease, and he is already being discussed as a future club captain. 

The fact that is even a possibility after 17 appearances shows the progress that Adams has enjoyed in Leeds, and he will no doubt help McKennie settle into life in England. 

Marsch has started to use a 4-3-3 formation in recent weeks, and it is thought that Adams will sit and protect the Leeds defence, allowing Marca Roca and McKennie to push forward and create chances. 

Adams' performances have already earned him praise from across the league, and if he can stay fit, his influence on the Leeds midfield can only grow.

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Patience needed with Aaronson 

Attacking midfielder Aaronson joined in the summer like Adams, but while the latter has kicked on, Aaronson has started to struggle. 

The pacey midfielder made an electrifying start to life at Leeds, but his recent displays after the World Cup are likely to be a small bump in the road. 

Leeds boss Marsch has never lost faith in Aaronson, but due to his small frame, it may take him another six months to fully adjust to the physicality of the English top flight. 

Aaronson's never-say-die attitude and unquestionable work ethic have already gone down well at Leeds, and the arrival of a familiar face could be just what he needs to succeed.

Quintet hoping to prove their doubters wrong 

All five Americans at Elland Road have a point to prove in the next six months, and if they can silence their doubters, then Leeds will remain a Premier League club. 

In McKennie, Adams and Aaronson, Leeds have three ambitious and young midfielders who can enjoy successful careers in England. 

In the dugout, boss Marsch and assistant Chris Armas have their own critics to silence. Bob Bradley's spell at Swansea did not go to plan, and Marsch needs to end the myth that American coaches cannot succeed in the Premier League. 

He and his fellow countrymen will feel at home in Leeds; it is now time to prove they can guide the club to glory in the coming months. 

Leeds are +1100 to finish in the top half, while they are available at +2500 to lift the FA Cup after reaching the fifth round. 

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