During Jesse Marsch’s reign, there were not many positives. But one was the signing of USA captain Tyler Adams, even if he has since left Leeds United to join Bournemouth – where he is finally fit again.
The 23-year-old midfielder reunited with Marsch after the duo worked together at New York Red Bulls and then against at Leipzig. Adams was crucial to the 22-23 season, only to suffer injury around February.
It saw him miss the remainder of the campaign and coincide with Leeds dropping in form. Ultimately, Adams injury played a massive part in Leeds going down. He tarnished his image with fans, by leaving.
He jumped at the opportunity to join Bournemouth but it has been a frustrating spell for Adams of late. Forced to undergo two hamstring injuries, he is finally fit and able to play for Bournemouth and USA.
Jesse Marsch blown away by Tyler Adams strike for USA
In the early hours of Monday morning, USA took on Mexico in the Nations League final and secured a 2-0 win. He was given the first 45 minutes before being replaced, but he did not take long to make his mark.
Indeed, the midfielder – who Leeds sold to Bournemouth for £23m – slammed home a 30-yard rocket just before half-time to give his country the lead. A wonderful strike, only his second goal for his country.
Something which he never managed in a Leeds shirt. Speaking as a pundit on CBS Sports, Jesse Marsch said he tried to help Adams with his long-range shooting – but never, has he seen Adams score like that.
“I haven’t spoken to him, a little text here or there. I’ve sat at training and passed him the ball to shoot, 30 yards out, and he’s never, ever in his life hit a ball like that,” Marsch said, as a pundit on CBS Sports.
Leeds made the right decision to sell Tyler Adams last summer
What a goal. Something Leeds fans did not get to witness from Adams, who failed to get his name on the score sheet while at Elland Road. But putting aside the criticism towards him, it is a gorgeous effort.
Adams was excellent in a bad Leeds side. Marsch has previously said that while the duo were at Elland Road, Adams was playing like he was one of the best holding midfielders in the world. He was in form.
But, the love has been lost between Adams and Leeds fans – and indeed, the Leeds hierarchy. Angus Kinnear said Adams would not be on the Christmas card list, when discussing the midfielder’s exit.
These days, Leeds have Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu instead of Adams and the feeling is, that the duo are just as good as Adams – if not better. The duo were brought to Elland Road for less than £12m.