Former Leeds goalkeeper says Tyler Adams is the best American player in a 'long time'

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes club star Tyler Adams is the best player the United States have had in a 'long time'.

Adams captained the USMNT as they reached the round-of-16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, returning to the tournament after missing out on the 2018 edition.

However, after an intense group stage campaign that saw the Stars and Stripes go unbeaten against Wales, England, and Iran, Gregg Berhalter's team finally ran out of steam with a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands.

Adams was at fault for the opening Dutch goal, failing to track Memphis Depay's run from the halfway line and allowing him a free shot on goal. Throughout the match, he and his midfield teammates Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah looked short of energy - perhaps due to the exertions of the previous three matches.

Robinson has jumped to the defense of Adams in the face of criticism for his role in that defeat, going as far as suggesting the midfielder is on a 'different level' to his USMNT teammates.

“You can’t criticize him. At the end of the day, the US media need to be thankful they’ve got a player of his quality,” the former Leeds and England stopper told MOT Leeds News. “It’s a long time since the Americans had a player as good as him. They’ve had some good players down the years but Adams is at a different level.

“He’s capable of playing high up in the Premier League, challenging for the title and for Champions League teams.

"His performances at the World Cup have been absolutely exemplary. He’s been the best player the US have had so it’s difficult to criticize him for one game.”

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