Bundesliga
Adams in Leipzig squad to face Dortmund
USA international Tyler Adams could be set for a Bundesliga baptism of fire this weekend, with RB Leipzig head coach Ralf Rangnick confirming that the winter signing from the New York Red Bulls will "definitely" be in his squad to face league leaders Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
"Tyler has trained with us all week," said the 60-year-old at his pre-match press conference on Thursday. "He had a few problems with his adductor after the weekend, but he's taken part in every session and will definitely be in the squad."
That will be music to the ears of Adams, who signed a four-year deal at the Red Bull Arena late last year, and has already made a good impression on his new boss:
"Given that he's only been here just over two weeks, we’re really happy with him so far. We knew that he’s a player who wouldn’t take long to settle in, but there's still a difference between being with us for a few months and years or just a couple of weeks."
Rangnick also indicated that Adams is likely to start on the bench, with Diego Demme and Kevin Kempl set to occupy the holding midfield roles the 19-year-old also covets: "With all respect to the MLS and his development, there’s a difference between being one of the best - if not the best - midfielders in the MLS, and playing in the Bundesliga. So we’ll have to take things step by step, but he’ll definitely be in the squad on Saturday."
If Adams does take to the pitch he would be the ninth American to feature in the Bundesliga this season, following Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Josh Sargent, Fabian Johnson, John Brooks, Alfredo Morales, Haji Wright and Bobby Wood. He could even go up against Pulisic, should the Chelsea-bound attacker feature for Dortmund.