Joining the Cherries in 2023, many did not know what to expect from Tyler Adams. An American midfielder who had spent one year in the English top-flight, being relegated with Leeds.
Positive expectations were there, considering the defensive midfielder had been a medical away from a move to Chelsea. However, with a poor injury record at Elland Road and an ongoing hamstring issue at the time of signing, Adams was not exactly going to be a player who contributed right away.
Patience would be needed for the 26-year-old in his debut season, as Adams made just three appearances for **Andoni Iraola**’s side in the Premier League - injury issues kept him out for the majority of the season before many branded him as a ‘flop’.
However, fast forward to 2025, and the American has made a phenomenal start to the Premier League, bossing around Iraola’s midfield and making Cherries fans adore him with his every touch of the ball.
It is safe to say that the wait for Adams was certainly worth it, with the ball-winner quietly becoming one of the most productive and busy midfielders in the English top flight.
However, why is Adams so good, and how does he compare to his fellow competitors?
Player Profile
Similar to the style of his manager, Adams’ approach is all about intensity. More of an ‘old-school’ midfielder, the American is tenacious, covering every blade of grass on the pitch while also loving a big challenge.
Not the tallest of players, the 26-year-old makes his presence known in duels. Within the first three games of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Adams has averaged 5.39 duels won, 1.01 aerial duels won, 2.36 interceptions, and 5.39 recoveries.
Not only is Adams efficient and successful in terms of his defensive abilities, but he is also relentless, covering every inch of the pitch on his heat maps with a comparable engine to that of the Chelsea and Leicester legend N’Golo Kanté.
Being primarily known for his defensive ability, Adams is not a player who helps in attacks - the American has yet to score in English football. However, the American international provides a foundation for his teammates to be their creative selves and drive forward.
Still yet to score in English football, the midfielder averages a pass accuracy of 79.55% and a dribble success rate of 66.7%
At the age of 26, the American is not the typical player that you would associate with **Bournemouth**’s project; Iraola’s side often develops young talents. However, he is at an age where he is ready to contribute at the highest level without the limelight and transfer interest from other clubs.
Compared to the league's best
In the modern era, the role of a central midfielder is more important than ever, with teams utilising their midfield to control football matches and their tempo. Nevertheless, defensive midfielders remain underrated.
Rodri is the **Premier League**’s anomaly. However, there are several midfield players operating at the top level who do not receive the recognition they deserve. Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Joao Palhinha also give Adams a run for his money.
Compared to Adams, Caicedo reigns supreme for duels won (6.00) and interceptions (2.67). In contrast, the American edges his Chelsea counterpart for aerial duels won and interceptions per 90 at the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Mac Allister, in an attack-heavy Liverpool squad, has taken up a slightly new role to start the campaign, picking up a deeper position and orchestrating play from behind Florian Wirtz. Per 90, the 2022 World Cup winner averages 3.38 duels won, 0.68 aerial duels won, 2.03 interceptions, and 6.09 recoveries, meaning that Adams trumped the Argentine in all categories other than recoveries.
Finally, Palhinha has made a fantastic start to life in North London, contributing to **Thomas Frank**’s fabulous start at Tottenham. Having already gained a reputation for being a defensive pest at Fulham, the Portugal international has continued to thrive in the Premier League, winning 5.88 duels, 1.18 aerial duels, and 2.35 recoveries for his team per 90.
However, despite often blocking the opposition’s passing lanes, Palhinha is yet to record an interception for Tottenham in the English top-flight.
Looking back towards Adams, while he might not be the flashiest or most valuable player in his position, the American is performing like some of the best players in the division, and maybe even some of the best football of his season.
After three games, the Cherries sit 7th in the table with their eyes set upon qualifying for European football after a disappointing end to the season last time out.
Adams’ fitness will be huge, but following an exciting transfer window and start to 2025, if Iraola’s side can keep the midfielder fit as one of the key cogs in their machine, they will have a great chance at qualifying for Europe.