FLORHAM PARK, N.J.—Tyler Adams, psychology major, would diagnose himself with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). He says it’s played a part in making him a perfectionist on the field, with a career soon to continue in the Bundesliga after breaking out in MLS.



Also included in Adams’ self-diagnosis is a pursuit of a college degree that won’t stop, even as the 19-year old leaves his home state of New Jersey and starts his time with RB Leipzig in January.



“It’s hard to portray the importance of following your education and pursuing it when you’re living the dream of professional soccer,” Adams told The Athletic. “Every day I wake up and go to practice – I don’t think it’s going to be my last time playing, and that is why it is so important to get your education. You just really don’t know what’s going to happen with your career, it can go either way.”



Last summer, in the...