Tyler Adams Says The Game Is 'Like A Chess Match' As He Teams Up For 'For The Assist'

Tyler Adams said playing in the midfield requires constant awareness of everything happening on the pitch.

“In our game, there are so many moving pieces — it’s almost like a chess match,” the U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder told Blavity in a recent interview. “You’re always trying to think ahead, understand your positioning, anticipate what’s coming, and then execute.”

For Adams, that awareness comes from continuously scanning the field and building a full picture of what’s happening around him.

“The more complete a picture you have of what’s happening around you, the better,” he said. “When I’m scanning, I’m constantly trying to anticipate what could happen next and what will happen next.”

How does Tyler Adams view the value of his position?

Adams said the role he plays is gaining more recognition, though he believes it is still often measured differently than goal-scoring positions.

“I think there’s becoming more and more of a value of my position, especially the way that I play,” he said. “Every team needs a player who brings energy, anticipation and that kind of mindset to the game.”

At the same time, he said that type of role is not always easy to replace.

“I think that it’s becoming more valued, but I still do think it’s hard to find,” Adams added.

How has Adams adjusted to injuries and recovery?

Adams said managing injuries has changed how he approaches preparation and recovery, particularly in how he trains off the field.

“It’s really about understanding your body,” he said. “Sometimes it takes going through something to really understand how you need to manage it.”

He said his first injury shifted how he approaches strength and prevention.

“For me, going through my first injury made me realize I really need to put more time into getting into the gym and making sure I’m strong,” Adams said. “When you feel something, it’s already too late to try and stop it at times. So, you need to try and do more prevention work to make sure that your body is prepared for the moment.”

That focus on preparation aligns with For the Assist, a campaign Adams is part of in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation. The initiative highlights the work that happens outside of game time, including recovery and routine.

What does it feel like when Adams is in rhythm during a match?

Adams said being in form is both physical and mental.

“Everything just feels in flow,” he said. “I think it’s from the moment you step into the arena or stadium that you know it’s just one of those days that you have your game, you feel at your best.”

He added that consistency in preparation contributes to that feeling.

“Every single day in training and in the gym, I treat it as if I’m preparing for one of the biggest games of my career,” Adams said. “So, it’s that mindset and being able to switch on and off.”

How does Adams approach brand partnerships?

Adams said authenticity is a key factor when deciding to work with a brand.

“For me, the biggest thing is making sure it’s organic,” he said. “It’s something that I need to be able to speak about because I actually have the experience using it, seeing it or hearing from other people.”

He pointed to his involvement with For the Assist as an example of that alignment.

“I’m fortunate to work with a brand like Haleon because they are not only sponsoring me, but they’re also sponsoring the federation I play for,” Adams said. “They understand the game, and that’s the most important thing of how we’re trying to grow it and what actually brings benefits to me.”

“This one is extremely organic to me and the way that I play, and ultimately their products like Advil and Voltaren help me recover at a faster pace, so I’m ready and prepared to play in every game and training,” he added.

What is included in the ‘For the Assist’ campaign?

The campaign also features World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Crystal Dunn and includes a national advertising rollout and fan engagement opportunities.

As part of the rollout, a limited-edition item called the Tunnel Walk Bag will be released. The cleat-inspired dopp kit is designed to carry everyday items and is scheduled to be available on Amazon starting May 14 for $125, while supplies last.