Jesse Marsch reveals Tyler Adams prediction amid next Leeds United captain debate

Leeds destroyer Tyler Adams has announced himself on the world stage this season through his displays in the Premier League, and more recently at the FIFA World Cup. The 23-year-old, recently named captain of the US Men’s National Team at the Finals, has attracted praise for his handling of difficult situations on and off the pitch.

Speaking in a recent United States press conference, Adams expertly side-stepped a potentially tricky line of questioning by an Iranian journalist, before delivering a considered and mature response while under pressure. It is the type of thing Leeds supporters have become accustomed to seeing at Elland Road this season, as the defensive midfielder goes about his business without complaint, hassling and harrying opponents into submission.

His steadfast approach to breaking up play and launching attacks has led the United States to the Round of 16 at this year’s World Cup Finals, securing draws against Wales and England before beating Iran 1-0 in their Group B finale. Adams, skippering the side, has played every minute.

Fellow American and Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch has once again sung the 23-year-old’s praises, who is quickly becoming a fan favourite and bonafide candidate for the Leeds captaincy when current skipper Liam Cooper moves on.

Discussing the player he brought through from the New York Red Bulls academy, whom he worked alongside at RB Leipzig and now Leeds, Marsch said: “Tyler, for me, when he can play with confidence and intensity and display his athleticism and his intelligence combined, he can be elite.”

"And I knew that before he came to Leeds. And the key for me was just having these kinds of conversations to unearth it more and get him on track and then allow him to be himself. So I don't want to take any credit for Tyler. I think he deserves all the credit, but the fit here at Leeds has been really good for him and for us, so I think it's just got him into a place where he's playing with more confidence and belief in himself than he ever has,” he added.

Marsch also told Men In Blazers host Roger Bennett that he foresaw Adams captaining the United States, the first time he set eyes on him as a 15-year-old.

"He’s special,” Marsch began. “I texted him before the match [vs Wales], and I said to him the day I saw him when he was 15 years old, playing with the U-17s, I literally that day envisioned him captaining the World Cup team. When I saw that young man play at that age, I could see the building blocks of something really special.”

Adams’ US team will take on the Netherlands in the World Cup knockout rounds, going up against summer transfer target Cody Gakpo who has scored in each of the his country’s three group games in Qatar. However, whatever transpires against the Dutch, Adams and his US teammates have exceeded expectation in the States and as the cornerstone of the team, the Leeds midfielder has certainly gained a following from many who had not previously taken an interest.