Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams has revealed it is a 'huge honour' to be named as captain of USA for the World Cup. The US have rotated their captaincy between the likes of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Walker Zimmerman during qualifying but have opted to appoint a permanent captain for the tournament in Qatar.
Coach Gregg Berhalter is reported to have left the decision in the hands of his players, allowing them to all vote individually with Leeds fan favourite Adams the chosen one. The 23-year-old will be USA's youngest captain at a World Cup since 1950 and speaking ahead of Monday's opener with Wales, he spoke of his pride at being given the armband.
Via ESPN, he told a press conferece: "It's a huge honour for me, obviously, to be named captain of this team. A very young team, but a lot of credit to my teammates because anyone throughout our leadership council can wear that arm band and represent us with pride and represent us in the right way."
READ MORE: Resurgent Leeds United man's form built on impressive statistical bedrock
USA failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and as mentioned, will get their campaign underway against Wales tomorrow. Adams believes that USA will have to be at the top of their game if they are to come away with a win, highlighting Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore and former Leeds teammate Daniel James as men they need to stop.
“It’s a good team, he added. "I think they’re underrated. They have experience, international competition experience, a solid backline, robust players, talent, difference makers up top with [Gareth] Bale, [Daniel] James and Moore. They have a solid midfield and wing-backs that get forward.
"Overall I think it’s a really solid team so for us the starting point is just matching their intensity and coming with a competitive mindset because we know that’ll be needed in the match."
READ NEXT:
- Points to prove at Leeds United with contracts, international spots and futures to play for
- Leeds United mid-season player ratings: Trio stand out but Bamford and Llorente struggle
- Luke Ayling's uncertain future as Leeds United contract call to be made
- Leeds United's new priorities with Rodrigo competition, key recruitment call and striker decision
- Leeds United approaching Charlie Cresswell decision as Millwall loan clause moves into focus
