A US men’s national team squad without Tyler Adams doesn’t really feel like a US men’s national team squad. Indeed, the 25-year-old is a central pillar of Gregg Berhalter’s team and so the thought of playing tonight’s CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against Jamaica – and possibly a final against Mexico or Panama after that – was apparently unpalatable.
By Graham Ruthven
Despite making his Premier League debut off the bench for Bournemouth a week ago following a long injury layoff, Adams was included on the USMNT roster. It might be too early in Adams’ recovery for him to start against Jamaica on Thursday, but he is the national team’s heart and soul. Berhalter clearly wants him around in whatever capacity possible.
“I think everybody from top to bottom is excited to have him back,” said USMNT assistant manager B.J Callaghan on Adams’ call-up. Goalkeeper Matt Turner also echoed this sentiment, calling Adams “a huge part of this team, a huge part of our culture.” Adams’ return comes at the right time for the US.
Until now, Berhalter has had time to experiment. He didn’t return to his role as USMNT head coach until last summer – six months after the 2022 World Cup – largely due to a messy scandal which involved Gio Reyna and his family, but the second half of 2023 afforded him an opportunity to recalibrate.
Now, though, it is time for the USA’s preparations for this summer’s Copa America and the 2026 World Cup on home soil to reach another level. This perhaps explains why Adams has been called up ahead of schedule. Ideally, the midfielder would have been given more time to get some minutes under his belt at club level before playing for the USMNT again. Berhalter, however, didn’t have that luxury.
Adams has been the USA’s first-choice number six for the last three years. He is the foundation upon which Berhalter has built his midfield unit, the strongest part of his entire set-up. Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah started every game at the 2022 World Cup, highlighting their importance as a trio.
Berhalter has other midfield options. Reyna, for instance, is capable of playing in a deeper midfield role. Malik Tillman has operated in the centre of the pitch for PSV this season, but neither are capable of playing at the base of the midfield like Adams. His pitch coverage and defensive instincts set him apart.
Johnny Cardoso has emerged as a good option for the USMNT as a number six with the 22-year-old thriving in LaLiga after joining Real Betis in the January transfer window. This week’s match against Jamaica could be a chance for him to be fully integrated into the lineup with Adams not expected to be fit enough to start.
There are many American fans who believe Berhalter shouldn’t have been re-hired. The USMNT head coach has faced a lot of criticism from supporters who argue another manager with greater pedigree would stand a better chance of success at the 2026 World Cup. José Mourinho’s name gets mentioned from time to time.
This analysis, however, doesn’t do justice to the work Berhalter has done to establish a core group and positive culture within the USMNT camp. He inherited a national team that had just failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and was in desperate need of renewal in all areas. Adams is just one part of a nucleus that will sustain the USMNT for years to come.
Against the likes of Argentina and Brazil – and Uruguay, who Adams and co. will face in the group stage – this summer’s Copa America will provide a good gauge of where the USMNT is in its development between World Cups. A deep run into the knockout rounds would suggest they are on the right path.
To achieve this, Berhalter needs his best players to peak between now and the end of the season. Adams is certainly someone who must play his way into form, starting with the CONCACAF Nations League. The midfielder might be a big part of the national team’s culture, but they need him to be a big part of the team on the pitch too.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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