At the age of 23, Tyler Adams was already the youngest captain at this year’s FIFA World Cup, but now the Leeds United midfielder has led the US Men’s National Team to the knockout stage, becoming the youngest skipper to manage this feat in the country’s tournament history.
Adams was named captain ahead of the Finals in Qatar having already skippered the side on a number of occasions. However, due to the squad’s collective lack of major tournament experience, head coach Gregg Berhalter delayed his decision until the eve of their opener versus Wales to decide on his designated captain.
Overlooking 35-year-old Fulham defender Tim Ream and several other players more senior than Adams, the 23-year-old Leeds defensive midfielder was selected by Berhalter, and has drawn praise from many corners of British and American press for his performances throughout the group stage, as well as leading by example.
The YEP has curated 14 pictures of Adams in action at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, representing Leeds United positively on the global stage.
1. Tyler Adams at the FIFA World Cup
Adams celebrates Christian Pulisic's match-winner against Iran in the USA's final group game (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) Photo: Tim Nwachukwu
2. Tyler Adams at the FIFA World Cup
Adams hugs Wales forward Gareth Bale following the two countries' 1-1 draw in their Group B opener (Photo by Antonin THUILLIER / AFP) (Photo by ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: ANTONIN THUILLIER
3. Tyler Adams at the FIFA World Cup
Tyler Adams gets stuck into Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Photo: Ryan Pierse
4. Tyler Adams at the FIFA World Cup
Adams faces the media in a USMNT press conference, including a particularly difficult line of questioning from an Iranian journalist (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) Photo: Tim Nwachukwu
5. Tyler Adams at the FIFA World Cup
Tyler Adams exchanges pendants with Iran captain Ehsan Hajsafi before the USA's 1-0 win (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: ODD ANDERSEN
![Adams [bottom right] falls to the floor as the US qualify for the Round of 16 (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjY5ZWE1YjBkLTk2MDItNDIxOS04NjU1LWVjYTIwYTNjMzNjMDoxOGQ5NDcwOC1kMWFmLTQyODEtOWQ5ZS01MjZjNjlhYTNhMmU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. Tyler Adams at the FIFA World Cup
Adams [bottom right] falls to the floor as the US qualify for the Round of 16 (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON