USMNT: 3 reasons why Tyler Adams can be special

1. He is perfect for modern football

Of course, for a footballer to develop into a special player, they have to actually be good. This is incredibly obvious and goes without saying, but sometimes, in the detail of the analysis, modern football loses sight of the basics. And the basics here is that Adams must be talented to be special. Thankfully, he is, but in a very specific manner.

Football has changed immeasurably in the past decade. And the tactical evolution of the game has altered the demands of the individual roles in the team, and thus the skill set that different players require. Adams is built in a manner that is absolutely ideal for the central midfield position he plays in the modern game.

Amazing athletic and technically sound, he can implement a high press, carry the ball through dribbling, has a wide range of passing, is a superb tackler, reads the game well to intercept passes and break up attacks, and has the speed and physical strength to hold off challengers and protect the ball under pressure.

In almost every facet, he is the perfect modern central midfielder. Nagelsmann, as a modern manager, recognises this, as does Marsch and many others. That is what makes Adams such an exciting prospect. It is also what will make him special, just as much as Pulisic before him.