TEMPE, Ariz. — Whether he’s wearing the captain’s armband or not, Tyler Adams has always been a natural leader for Team USA soccer through his leadership and example.
On Friday, Mauricio Pochettino officially sealed the 27-year-old midfielder’s role, naming him captain for the 2030 World Cup era.
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It’s a repeat role for Adams, who captained the 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar at the age of 23 and in perhaps his finest moment answered politically charged questions with eloquence and maturity the day before the USA’s game against Iran.
Centre-back Tim Ream was Pochettino’s captain at the World Cup this summer. With Ream retiring from the international arena, Pochettino made a point of naming him captain at the start of this training camp – his first since the World Cup – in the middle of a four-game schedule.
Adams captained the team in a 4-1 win over Peru in Orlando last Saturday, and winger Antonee Robinson scored in Tuesday’s 4-2 win over Chile in St. Louis.
Pochettino announced Adams’ appointment on Friday at a news conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with rivals Mexico at State Farm Stadium in nearby Glendale.
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“He is a perfect example for everyone in terms of his ability to translate philosophy, culture and represent this amazing country,” Pochettino said. “He is a player and a person who can lead the era ahead of us.”
Pochettino consulted his staff, not the players, and informed the U.S. Soccer Federation board of his decision before informing the players before training on Thursday.
“Tyler is first and foremost the perfect person and the player and professional to lead in the way we expect,” Pochettino said. He added that he has spoken to Adams throughout camp and “knows exactly what we expect from him. He certainly has to challenge us, the coaching staff.”
Tyler Adams says getting the captain’s armband won’t change the way he represents management or his USMNT teammates.
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Adams has been a mainstay in the national team since 2021 under previous coach Gregg Berhalter, in his third season with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
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“Getting a bandanna doesn’t mean anything about me being a leader or being different. “I’m going to be the same person. I’m going to try and obviously lead this group to a winning culture and continue to build what we’re trying to build here. I want to represent my teammates in the best possible way. Of course, I want to represent the country in the best way. It’s just the icing on top, the cherry on top. But we still have a lot to do.”
Center back Chris Richards was also seen as a potential captain due to his leadership qualities, positive energy and rapport with the coaches and players.
Reflecting on his first stint as captain, Adams said, “In 2022, we were a very young team – one of the youngest teams at the World Cup. And while I’m ready for this role, I also have the ability to develop both on and off the field in the lead-up to this past World Cup.”
He said he learned from Ream and others who wore armbands during the last World Cup.
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His first game this term is a match that will require the utmost direction and temperament with a roster full of international novices. Matches with Mexico are some of the most passionate, often dark arts and confrontations on the US calendar.
The U.S. is gearing up for the away game as the majority of the crowd is expected to support Mexico.
“One zero down for us,” a smiling Pochettino said of El Tri’s “home ground” advantage.
Pochettino said he will use a similar line-up to the previous two matches, starting with experienced and inexperienced players. Twelve US players made their senior debuts in this camp, some of which were instrumental in impressive victories against South American competition.
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When choosing his squad, Pochettino took into account the workload of players balancing club and country.
“We have to be responsible to both the players and the clubs. “It’s a very difficult window with four games, a lot of travel, a long distance. This is what I want to translate to the clubs. I think we are interested in the player.”
The U.S. will also play in St. Petersburg, Minnesota on Tuesday before the players return to their clubs. Paul will play against Canada.
“What I expect is the intensity the team showed against Peru and Chile,” Pochettino said. “That’s not going to change. The message from the beginning was to enjoy yourself, do your best and play for ourselves, not for the opponent. We’ll protect our shirt. They’re very smart, very smart – the whole team and the whole group.”
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Adams has been part of many US-Mexico rumbles.
“Dislike, hate — I mean, it’s a competition,” he said. “But you want to portray competition. When you talk about rivals, whether it’s in club football in Europe or whatever, there’s just a sense of always wanting to win and compete at the highest level. This is one of those games.”