To show you how unsettled the state of the U.S. national team forward pool is, consider that the only name that can be penciled into the U.S. World Cup stable of forwards is a 20-year-old who’s own future is as unclear as any player on the national team.
That Jozy Altidore is going to the World Cup is a given, what is completely unknown is what awaits Altidore after this summer’s tournament. Having just finished off his loan spell with English club Hull City in inauspicious fashion (a red card for head-butting an opponent was his final contribution), Altidore has returned to the United States to focus on World Cup preparations.
Whether he rejoins Spanish club Villarreal, is sold, or is loaned out again, is completely up in the air.
Altidore will have every opportunity to clear up his own future next month, when he is expected to start up top for the United States against England. A strong performance in the World Cup and Altidore could once again be the target of transfer offers, or he could improve his standing with a Villarreal side expected to undergo major changes this summer.
And a poor World Cup? It could leave Altidore in limbo as he looks to the next stage of his young career.
Altidore’s time with Hull City had mixed results. While he did finally manage to earn regular playing time after enduring a wasted season in Spain a year earlier, Altidore struggled with inconsistent form and scored just one goal.
He showed glimpses of the ability that made him a $10 million transfer, drawing free kicks and penalty kicks and dishing out assists, but also reminded us of his age with mistakes and missed opportunities.
That said, Altidore did grow as a player during his time in England. Facing some of the world’s best defenders, Altidore held his own at times and showed an increased understanding of the game with his improved passing and ability to hold the ball under pressure.
Unfortunately, Altidore also displayed the poor practice habits he has been accused of having in the past. Hull City interim manager Iain Dowie expressed his concerns about Altidore’s training habits after Altidore left the club.
“I’ve spoken to Jozy a number of times since I've been here and, if Jozy can train the way he plays, I think he's got a great opportunity,” Dowie said. “But he needs to understand that it's that day in, day out.
“He's a lovely, laid-back boy, and there's no side to him, but he needs to focus on training at a better level.”
Those same concerns were expressed by teammates and coaches with the New York Red Bulls before he left via transfer in 2008, but that was written off at the time to youth and the distraction of a pending eight-figure transfer. Two years later, it is clear Altidore still hasn’t developed a passion for training, something that could be holding back his development.
What has been clear through Altidore’s young career is that when he does have passion, when he is inspired, Altidore can be a truly dominant figure.
When close friend Charlie Davies nearly died in a car accident last fall, Altidore played his heart out in the U.S. national team’s World Cup qualifying tie against Costa Rica.
When Altidore returned to action for Hull City for the first time after the earthquake tragedy in Haiti, Altidore responded with his best game, scoring a goal and dominating in a win over Manchester City.
If Altidore could play with the drive and inspiration he showed in matches like these on a regular basis, he could be one of the best young players in the world. As unfair as it might sound to expect so much from someone still so young, the reality is that it is that very ability to play with fire and desire on a regular basis that separates the game’s best from the rest, regardless of age.
When you watch Wayne Rooney play, you see someone who gives it his all every match. The same can be said for the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Didier Drogba to name a few. The world’s elite boast incredible talent and an incredible work ethic and fire to be the best. They also show these characteristics at an early age.
It isn’t as if Altidore hasn’t shown signs of greatness. He has come up big in important games throughout his young career. From becoming the youngest player to ever score in an MLS playoff game, to starring in the Under-20 world Cup, to scoring a vital first goal in the U.S victory against Spain and several goals in World Cup qualifying, Altidore has played beyond his years repeatedly, which is why expectations are always high.
Altidore has the ability, but whether he goes from being one of the better Americans in Europe to being one of the best players in Europe will depend on him finding the willingness to push himself and give his all every game.
If Altidore can do that, his future would have far less uncertainty, and American fans would feel far more comfortable with having Jozy Altidore be the only forward you can guarantee will be on the U.S. World Cup team.
Ives Galarcep is FoxSoccer.com's newest senior writer who will be covering U.S. Soccer and MLS.
