It’s fair to say Jesse Marsch knew what he was going to get from Tyler Adams when he arrived at Thorp Arch, fresh from his switch from RB Leipzig. The American head coach worked with Adams at New York Red Bulls, while the midfielder was just a teenager, before being reunited with him in Germany during his time in the Bundesliga.
The pair have developed a special bond over Adams’ short playing career so far and, as a result, Marsch knows Adams’ game inside and out. He knows how to motivate him, how he can play to his strengths and how he wants him to play in his system.
That system can be described as aggressive, entertaining, vigorous, intense, controlled, courageous, forceful and gritty and that same list of words can be used to sum up the 23-year-old’s style of play, too. Marsch encourages heavy metal football from his side and Adams is his chief head banger in the middle of the park.
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The USA international impressed in his first two appearances for the Whites, catching the eye against Wolves and Southampton with his terrier-like work rate and energy alongside fellow new recruit Marc Roca in Leeds’ midfield. However, he truly announced himself to Leeds and Premier League fans during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Chelsea at Elland Road.
While the likes of Rodrigo, Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson, the goalscorers, will take the headlines, Adams deserves a huge amount of praise for a performance that simply could not go under the radar. The midfielder was quite literally everywhere, covering every blade of grass to ensure Chelsea couldn’t find their rhythm.
He hounded those in Blue, ensuring they didn't get a moments rest and visibly taking pride in frustrating Thomas Tuchel’s expensively-assembled side at every opportunity. His tireless efforts ensured Mason Mount and Kai Havertz barely got a kick of the ball, never mind the space and time needed to create opportunities, while Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Jorginho must have been sick of the sight of him.
It’s little wonder Marsch could be heard waxing lyrical about his midfielder in his post-match press conference after the game.
“Tyler is another guy who is playing the best football in his life, for me, and I know the potential that he has because I've known him for so long,” The head coach said. “I could see from the beginning when he came in and we had some tough conversations, we needed to almost pick up where we left off a couple of years ago and he's certainly doing that in a big way.
“Again, with all these guys, they're playing really well and there's so much more potential yet, I would say that about Tyler as well. I'm really happy with him, but we can continue to help him to get better and better.”
Leeds were forced to act this summer when it came to additions, but, on the back of his first three performances, it seems the club have found a man capable of, at least partially, filling the Kalvin Phillips shaped hole in their midfield.
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