After a tense 1-0 victory for the U.S. Men’s National Team and Tyler Adams, they are through to the round of 16 in the World Cup, assuring they get to stay in the competition until at least Saturday.
There is no rest for the weary amongst this US Men’s National Team. While there have already been videos of the celebrations inside the USMNT’s hotel, they know their hard work starts now. Tyler Adams and company know their first opponent in the knock-outs… the Netherlands.
SEE YOU ON SATURDAY. pic.twitter.com/46VQXcqAIT
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 29, 2022
It’s hard to say their time has been a blistering success while in Qatar, but Tyler Adams should feel incredibly proud of his performances thus far in the tournament and advancing to face off against Cody Gakpo and the Netherlands. Leeds United and coach Jesse Marsch believe they have “one of the Premier League’s top d-mids”, and with the work Tyler Adams is putting in so far in this World Cup, well, he might just be right.
Take the game against England, for example. In that match, Adams led all players with 8 recoveries, several of which halted potentially dangerous attacks from England. Tyler Adams combined with Yunus Musah stifled and at times suffocated England’s midfield trio of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Mason Mount.
In case readers are more visual, here’s a better idea of Tyler Adams’ whereabouts during that England match provided by The Athletic‘s John Muller:
On top of his 8 recoveries, he had a 100% tackle success rate (1/1), a 100% aerial duel rate (1/1), and won 50% of his ground duels (3/6). While these numbers may not be wildly impressive to the eye, it was the timing of his actions that helped the USMNT secure the draw, an excellent result for the youngest team in the World Cup up against one of the favorites in the tournament. All of this while playing with one less central midfielder to his side, with coach Greg Berhalter going with a 4-4-2 in place of the regular 4-3-3 formation.
In the pivotal win against Iran, Tyler Adams had these stats to show for his performance:
- 90% pass success rate
- 7/8 (88%) accurate long balls
- 11 passes into the final third
- 100% tackles won (3/3)
- 12 recoveries
Off the pitch, as a captain of the USMNT, Tyler Adams has been put in uncomfortable situations, sitting in front of media from around the world, all while leading his country for the first time in a World Cup. However, he has handled himself admirably, learned along the way, and composed himself in a manner that one would expect from somebody with many more years under their belt.
His latest performance was immense going up against a stubborn Iran defense in a win-or-go-home scenario. He has constantly been able to snuff out danger, stop attacks before they develop into genuine threats, and has gone toe-to-toe with just about anybody who has come at him in group B.
For the USMNT, there still remain reservations about the lack of scoring. As for Tyler Adams, he will no doubt be looking to build on what has been an incredible and commendable performance so far in the 2022 World Cup for his country. Leeds United meanwhile, can be sure they have a solid midfielder for the future.