Sixty-six was the number on Tyler Adams’s back, 16 was his age and on his New York Red Bulls debut he scored against Chelsea. It’s no wonder why his first reunion with the Blues since that day will hold such meaning for the American on Sunday.
Leeds United host Thomas Tuchel’s side in the Premier League this weekend and while Adams is excited for his first league encounter with one of the big six, it’s easy to see why he reaches for those special memories of 2015. It was a summer friendly for Jose Mourinho’s side, but Jesse Marsch’s team were in the middle of their season.
Marsch handed out 15 first-team debuts and rang the changes against Chelsea after his first team had played a competitive fixture one night earlier. Adams was one of those called up and he would go on to head home the second of four goals for the hosts as they defeated a strong Blues team 4-2.
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“I remember the last time I played against Chelsea I was 16 and in New York Red Bulls jersey,” said Adams. “Now being able to do it for Leeds United in the Premier League is what dreams are made of.
“It's something I dreamed of as a young kid, to play against the top opposition in the world, whether it's the Champions League or it's the Premier League and playing against some of the best players in the world. It will be fun.”
Tuchel brought Chelsea to Elland Road just three months ago. That was the night Mason Mount scored inside four minutes and Daniel James was sent off inside 25 minutes before the visitors strolled to a 3-0 victory.
The game arrived on the back of a three-match winless run, including a blunt turn at Selhurst Park, Luke Ayling’s Arsenal red and Illan Meslier’s Eddie Nketiah error. Confidence was low, but things could not be more different as far as Adams is concerned.
Four points from six, even with Saturday’s circumstances, has made for a positive start for a club which finished fourth bottom three months ago. Adams sees Elland Road as a huge plus point too.
“We can definitely get a result,” he said. “Being at home early on in the season definitely gives us a huge advantage, but with the momentum we have we're very confident in the complete group right now.
“Not even the guys that are just starting, but also the guys that are coming off the bench and making an impact have been huge. We're confident.”
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