Alexi Lalas hits out at Tyler Adams after what he did for Leeds United v Everton
Former USA defender Alexi Lalas has hit out at Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams following the Whites’ 1-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday 18 February.
The midfielder was involved in an altercation with Everton’s Dwight McNeil in the first half of the clash which resulted in an on-pitch scuffle involving around a dozen players with four booked.
Both clubs were eventually charged with improper conduct and failing to control their players in the wake of the game, but Lalas was left less than impressed with the USMNT captain.
Speaking on his the Alexi Lalas State of The Union Podcast, the 52-year-old urged Adams to play more football.
“Stop being a hard-ass and just pass the ball and make the tackles that you can do”, he said. “You can still be physical and get those ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ without getting in the face of somebody every single time.
“I love that he stands up for himself, I love that he stands up for his teammates. But, at times, you look around and you’re saying ‘what are you standing up for right now?’
“It was just a hard tackle or something like that, and you’re creating an incident or an altercation where there didn’t need to be.”
Is Lalas right?
While Lalas’ voice carries weight with the USA’s football fan base, it’s clear that Adams has been one of, if not Leeds’ best and most consistent performers this term.
His energy and fight in the centre of the park was crucial for the US during their run to the knockout rounds of the World Cup last winter, while it has also proved to be a rare shining light in a poor season for the club.
The booking, which followed in the aftermath of the incident, is just Adams’ fourth this term from over 1,880 minutes, or just one booking every five games, which suggests Adams hasn’t been as hot-headed as Lalas suggests.
He will no doubt prove to be crucial under the new regime at Elland Road, as his and Weston McKennie’s partnership in central midfield continues to grow.
Javi Gracia will no doubt keep him as a mainstay in the side, his midfield will be stronger because of that.
In other Leeds United news, the club is now eyeing a golden opportunity to sign a 140-goal striker in the summer.
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