{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Paraag Marathe and Leeds United board react to Tyler Adams being made captain for USA in World Cup
Tyler Adams has been praised by Leeds United vice-chairman Paraag Marathe after the 23-year-old was officially named captain of the USA team for the World Cup.
Adams has been instrumental for Leeds since his summer arrival from RB Leipzig and has made 32 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2017.
His performances and leadership qualities have previously caught the eye, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay suggesting Adams has all the qualities to be a future captain at Elland Road.
Adams was named USA captain on Sunday (20 November) and the 49ers rep, Marathe, has subsequently come out and congratulated the 23-year-old on his “magnificent” achievement.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors at Leeds United, but especially those of us over in the US, we want to congratulate Tyler Adams on being named Captain of the USMNT for the 2022 World Cup,” said Marathe (LeedsLive, 21 November).
“Serving as captain of any national team at any time and in any place is a magnificent achievement and great privilege, but to wear the armband on the biggest stage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Tyler’s leadership and presence at Leeds since arriving here this summer have proven how much of a positive influence he is on and off the field for the team, and I have no doubt he will live up to expectations and do us proud throughout this World Cup.”
What a start
It’s been a remarkable couple of months for Adams who has been arguably Leeds’ player of the season so far and considering he wasn’t playing much for RB Leipzig, he looks like an astute pick-up from the club. At 23, he will undoubtedly be linked to moves away from Elland Road in the coming years.
To be captaining the United States at such a young age demonstrates the leadership qualities he possesses as well as his ability on the pitch. It’s going to be an intriguing watch to see how Adams matches up against England on Friday (25 November) in their second group stage fixture.
It’s a golden opportunity for the 23-year-old to show how can mix it with some of the best players in the world, with the likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham up against him.
Leeds fans will be hoping for Adams to have a rare off day to give England a chance of picking up a crucial three points.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites player may have no convinced the board to again go without a signing that has been avoided for too long.