Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams sends one-word message to Gareth Bale after USA's World Cup draw with Wales

The midfielder proved a key figure for the USA as he made six tackles and two interceptions, alongside 69 passes – the third most from the United States squad – while running 13.1km.

No other player in the previous three World Cup matches in 2022 had ran as much or made as many successful tackles. Wales had to rely on captain Gareth Bale to salvage a 1-1 draw in their first World Cup match in 64 years.

Bale, who moved level with Chris Gunter on 109 caps – the record for the Wales men’s national team – cancelled out Timothy Weah’s first-half strike from the penalty spot eight minutes from time after Tim Ream had clattered into him from behind.

Adams receieved plenty of plaudits for his display and showed why he was named captain deep into stoppage time when he was there to snuff out a late threat from Wales.

After the game he posted the simple message of “respect” with a picture of him hugging Bale after the game – showing his admiration for the five-times Champions League winner who now plays for Los Angeles FC.

Adams reflected after the game: "We had some good runs in behind. In the second half we changed. We had to adapt to what they were doing.

"Obviously, they bring on a different player and change their game plan to limit our runs in behind a bit more. And yeah, we failed to execute a little bit, but we were still pretty dominant.

"I'm very proud of this team with the start that we had. We played with a bunch of confidence today. For a large part of the game, we dominated the game. You can see an ambitious group, fearless group, and we came after it.

"But it comes down to the smallest details in a game like this. And a PK in the end but we go away with a point, and we focus on the next game now."