Tyler Adams began 2022 confronting concerns about his role and future with RB Leipzig. The 23-year-old ended it as a midfield anchor for Leeds United, an ever-present and inspirational World Cup captain and U.S. Soccer’s male player of the year.
Adams, who also lifted the DFB-Pokal before leaving Leipzig, was given the news Thursday during a Leeds team meeting via a video message from retired goalkeeper Tim Howard, a two-time winner of the award. U.S. Soccer then announced the honor on Friday as Leeds took the field at Aston Villa.
