Craig Burley thinks Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams was ‘terrific’ as the USA recorded a 1-1 draw against Wales at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as he told ESPN.
In stoppage time, Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner rushed off his line only to see his headed clearance fall into the path of Gareth Bale on the halfway line.
The Wales star was ready to pull the trigger and potentially score a memorable goal, only for Kellyn Acosta to take one for the team and receive a yellow card by fouling Bale just as he was about to shoot.
But even if Acosta didn’t get to the former Real Madrid star, there was a certain recently-appointed USA captain waiting in the wings to shut Bale down.
And former Scotland international Craig Burley noticed that and stated that moment ‘epitomised’ Tyler Adams’ performance on his World Cup debut in Qatar.
“McKennie was worrying me with his challenges,” said Burley. “Tyler Adams got sent off against Tottenham for something similar.
“I thought he was terrific. He positions himself really well. Gets in and toe-pokes one away. The booking, at the end on Gareth Bale, wasn’t Tyler Adams’ booking, but he was there to make a challenge anyway. That just epitomised his performance.”
THE BIGGEST TEST TO COME FOR ADAMS
Adams has been in England for a few months now, and despite Leeds’ performances being indifferent, he has been a standout for Jesse Marsch.
But on Friday, he will come up against a few familiar faces when the USA face their toughest test of Group B and lock horns with England.
The Three Lions thrashed Iran on Monday and they will be looking to cook again with Mason Mount, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
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