Americans Abroad: Things Coming Together for Altidore

By Aaron West

Just a few weeks ago, the question loomed ominously: “Why didn’t Jozy Altidore go out on loan?”

For many (admittedly, including myself), the overwhelming feeling was that Villarreal’s newly acquired baby-faced assassin would have benefitted from being farmed out to a smaller club where he was more likely to get an extended run-out in the Spanish league. The loan experience would give him time to adapt to a new culture, atmosphere and general lifestyle in Spain, as well as easing him into the country’s playing style and footballing pressures.

After a less-than-stellar Olympic performance, doubts remained over Altidore’s ability to earn playing time while competing against the likes of Turkey’s Nihat Kahveci, coming off a brilliant Euro 2008, fellow “American” Giuseppe Rossi, who was stellar for Italy in the Olympics, and Mexican-Argentine Guillermo “Guille” Franco, a proven goalscorer at the highest level.

Admittedly unsettled in Villarreal, the odds were stacked against the prodigiously talented teenager. Largely confined to the bench during pre-season friendlies, the American youngster nonetheless impressed in his select exhibition appearances. He didn’t look overmatched or out of place against Athletic Bilbao, and this past weekend he scored a hat-trick in Villarreal’s 7-1 victory over San Rafael.

Currently, the Yellow Submarine is springing more and more leaks due to injuries to key forwards Nihat, Rossi and most recently, Franco. Which means that the onus may lie with Altidore to take up the goalscoring mantle for last year’s Primera Liga runners-up.

At the moment, 28-year-old Bosman signing Joseba Llorente and Altidore stand as the only healthy strikers on the Villarreal books. While boss Manuel Pellegrini prefers to line up with two forwards, it remains to be seen whether he will risk a largely untested Altidore, or will simply let Llorente play on his own up front.

The temptation to field the 18-year-old New Jersey native is undeniable, especially given his goalscoring exploits over the weekend. While relatively inexperienced, his enthusiasm, burgeoning physical abilities and obvious potential could give the side a much-needed boost going into its home fixture against Deportivo la Coruña.

Meanwhile, as this debate goes on, the US national team prepares to face Trinidad & Tobago in Chicago without the young star. It’s a bittersweet situation, because Altidore is arguably the best striker the national side has to offer. But through his absence, he has been able to solidify his importance at the Madrigal.


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