Former Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Brad Friedel says Tyler Adams is one of his favourite ever players he's coached. The 51-year-old was in charge of USA U19's back in 2016-17, with the Leeds United midfielder coming through the youth system.
Friedel says it's no surprise to see Adams named as captain of his country at the World Cup, after a player vote in the camp decided who should take the armband. Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, Friedel said: "Tyler Adams as USA captain? I love this. I love the kid. I really couldn't speak more highly of an individual that I coached than Tyler.
"I heard how the USA boss Gregg Berhalter held a player vote to choose his captain for the World Cup, shortly before the Wales game. And it is not a surprise to me in any way, not one ounce, that Tyler came out on top.
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"He's one of the favourites that I ever coached. He's a real warrior type, firm in the tackle but what I like most about Tyler is how he handles himself.
"He was with the USA Under 18s when I was the U19 coach. When really good U18 players were ready to make the step up, they'd come into my camps and Tyler was one of those players. But he was so good he was only with my group a short while! I kept working with him though as I was also an assistant at the U20s. Even then, he was 99.9 per cent of the time doing all the right things.
"Football is an emotional game, training and matches are competitive, there are players wanting contracts, players getting released, there is stuff all over the place. But with Tyler, you can have a disagreement or even an argument, you can tell him this, that and the other and once you are done, you shake hands and he crosses the line and gives his all.
"A lot of players can't do that. There is a lot of ego in football. A lot of players let ill feeling fester for months. If he doesn't agree with something, he'll say it. But you'll get 100 per cent in whatever he is about to do - his recovery, training, practice match, the game, whatever.
"He is as fit as he can be, all the time. When you do that, you have a chance to have a wonderful career but you also gain all the respect of your teammates. If Tyler plays well it's because he is good and he earned it and he works hard. If he plays poor and has a bad day, it is still with 100 per cent. He'll never have a bad day through lack of effort and the players know that. They respect it."
Adams is expected to lead out his country against England later today and Friedel believes the midfield battle will be key to success. The former Aston Villa goalkeeper said: "Leading the USA out against England will probably be the most significant moment of Tyler's career so far. But whatever happens in Qatar, there are many more big moments on the way for him. At 23 years old, he could be captain for years to come and even at the next World Cup - a home World Cup.
"But for now, he'll be focusing on Friday, and his midfield duel against England's Jude Bellingham and the equally impressive Declan Rice. That midfield fight is going to be key to whoever comes out on top in Qatar and wins the game. Don't count against Tyler."
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