USMNT legend Eric Wynalda has backed the decision to make Leeds United's Tyler Adams captain of the USA for the World Cup in Qatar.
Adams beat the likes of Christian Pulisic and Walker Zimmerman in a squad vote to lead Gregg Berhalter's side, becoming the youngest player to captain his nation at a World Cup in 72 years.
Having arrived at Elland Road in the days following Kalvin Phillips' departure to Manchester City, the magnitude of Adams' impact cannot be underestimated. He has quickly become a fan favourite after starting 13 of the Whites' 14 Premier League matches so far this season.
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And Wynalda, who made 106 appearances for the USA and retired as its all-time leading scorer, has hailed the 23-year-old's captaincy credentials and fitness abilities.
He told VegasInsider: “Tyler Adams should be the captain. He’s an amazing leader, Jesse Marsch came out this week and said he’s never seen him in such good form. The reality is he’s had him for around 7 years going back to New York so I think Tyler is the best captain.”
"He is going to play 90 minutes and ask if he can play another game. He’s just that guy. He’s been breaking records in terms of metrics and the science behind it all. He’s been number one on all of those charts for around eight years now.
"He’s been part of our youth programme and has been the standard of fitness. In these competitions, you need someone that is going to play 90 minutes every game.”
Adams made his international debut four years ago in a 1-1 draw against Portugal and has captained the team on nine previous occasions.
He is likely to be joined in midfield by Leeds teammate Brenden Aaronson after the latter was labelled 'the U.S.’s hottest soccer prospect for generations' by Time magazine.
The USA kick-off their campaign against Wales at the Al Rayyan Stadium before subsequently facing England and Iran in an attempt to progress from Group B.
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