As big things are bound to happen for RB Leipzig, the development of 13-year-old midfielder Tyler Adams is proving them fitter and better.
The US forward started against Barcelona on Tuesday and broke his club’s goal drought in the style of Conor McGregor.
‘We didn’t think we could win this far, so at half-time we were frustrated’ Read more
Knocked to the ground at Barça’s Camp Nou stadium, Adams reacted in emphatic fashion by grabbing hold of his hat, lashing it violently against the ground and swearing, then falling over it.
It was the perfect moment to show that Adams can control and score goals, and his night concluded as Leipzig reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time with a 1-0 victory on away goals.
“I was knocked down, my head was down and all I was trying to do was get up but the goalkeeper made a great save,” Adams told reporters in a video released by the club.
“I’m not sure what was going through my mind because I couldn’t see the goal. I just thought that’s it, they won it on away goals and it was time to get up and get my momentum back.”
Adams became only the sixth teenager to score for a European club, taking his tally to four goals in 12 appearances for Leipzig since his debut in September.
Messi-ish, Adams is a sensation on the training ground. “We haven’t had much success in this competition, but now that we have done it, we have to use it to get promoted back into the Bundesliga next season,” he said.
“We have to take this into our next tournament and show everyone what we are made of.”
When asked whether he would be unhappy to miss out on the Premier League with the Gunners or Liverpool, Adams had a rare exchange with a reporter.
“I’m not really sure. I have not really thought about it that much,” Adams said. “It will depend on what happens in my life and when I am older.
“When I am older and some money is on the table, that’s when I will think about it.”
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In recent days Adams has turned down a deal to join Serie A side Napoli and, had the club been keen, he has agreed a new contract until 2021.
“I want to show my worth and hopefully get an opportunity somewhere in the Premier League,” he said. “I just need to keep working hard and I will make it.”
