Jesse Marsch has questioned the inclusion of Tyler Adams in the latest USMNT squad after an injury-riddled year for the midfielder in which he barely played.
Prior to coming on as a substitute in Bournemouth’s 4-3 win over Luton Town on Wednesday, Adams had gone over a year without a Premier League appearance.
And Marsch, who coached Adams at both Leeds and the New York Red Bulls, is unsure if there is ‘much to gain’ after Gregg Berhalter selected him for the latest Nations League squad.
“I don’t know if there’s anyone on earth who believes in Tyler Adams more than I do,” Marsch said on the “Call it what you want podcast.
‘But I don’t know if there is much to gain. Of course I know he is an important figure in the national team. I don’t think he has played any competitive games for almost a whole year.
Tyler Adams captained the USA at the 2022 World Cup but has not played for his country since
Adams played under Jesse Marsch at both Leeds United and the New York Red Bulls
“I just think there’s a lot more to lose than there is to gain in this situation.
Adams underwent hamstring surgery in October after making his Cherries debut in the Carabao Cup, and last year he also missed the final fourteen games of Leeds’ season with a hamstring problem.
Berhalter said in a virtual press conference on Wednesday that he had spoken to Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola about Adams before choosing him.
“I know that if I was his club team coach, given this scenario, I would not have wanted Tyler to leave the team and leave his rehab program and his back-to-play program,” Marsch added.
Marsch was skeptical about Adams’ inclusion in the American squad for the Nations League
“But they made this decision, they think it’s best for the team. I’m sure Tyler wants to be in the group. But again, what’s the risk and what’s the reward? That’s what I would ask.’
Prior to this squad, Adams had not been involved in the U.S. lineup since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was captain.
The US faces Jamaica in the Nations League semifinals on March 21, with a possible final against Mexico or Panama on March 24.