Altidore's long-range forecast: reign in Spain
Jozy Altidore's skills and maturity persuaded Spanish side Villarreal to agree to a $10 million deal with Major League Soccer, but Altimore's patience – and that of his new employers – will determine his success in Europe.
Altidore may be in for a rude awakening if he expects to walk into one of international soccer's most talent-laden leagues and make an immediate impact. There is a world of difference between the defenses the New York Red Bulls' 18-year-old has faced in MLS and those he will encounter in Spain.
He must raise his standard of play and prove himself on a regular basis. Fortunately, Villarreal appear to be taking a realistic approach.
There are already reports that Altidore could be loaned to a smaller club (Recreativo Huelva) in order to secure instant playing time. Even so, it could take several years for him to adapt to the highly technical nature of La Liga.
A switch to the English Premier League could have suited Altidore better in the short term, but if he is handled properly in Spain, the move there may be of higher benefit.
Physically, the New Jersey youngster is a prime specimen, with pace, size, strength and a well-developed soccer brain. If the 6-foot-1, 175-pounder continues to add consistency and technical prowess to his game, then the sky is the limit.
All the early signs indicate that Altidore has remained reasonably level-headed despite the whirlwind of attention that has come his way in the past 18 months. Some concerns arose recently about his mental state after a drop-off in his training, but the prospect of a switch to Europe should reignite his motivational fire.
Altidore will not be frightened by what lies ahead – that much we know for certain. His finest performances in his young career have come in games when the pressure and attention were at the highest level.
With two goals against David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy last August in front of 66,000 at Giants Stadium, he signaled his ability to a wider audience. Perhaps even more impressive was his nerveless display, including a well-taken headed goal in his first senior international start against Mexico at Houston's Reliant Stadium in February.
Several clubs around Europe have been keeping tabs on Altidore since last year, with English teams Newcastle United and Reading among the most interested. Reading even had a bid rejected during the January transfer window, and Newcastle was believed to be considering making an offer this summer.
But Villarreal took the plunge, and its financial investment looks to be sound. Barring a serious injury, it is hard to see Altidore's value drop if he does not set La Liga alight right away.
Villarreal, which finished second in the Spanish first division this season and 10 points clear of third-place Barcelona, has a history of astute buys. Diego Forlan and Luciano Figueroa both flopped spectacularly in England but helped Villarreal reach the Champions League in 2004, while U.S.-raised Giuseppe Rossi and rising Turkish star Nihat Kahveci are the current golden boys.
Just where this move leaves Altidore regarding his involvement with the U.S. Olympic team and the Beijing Games is unclear, but for now, he has bigger things to worry about. The opportunity he has always dreamed of is about to arrive and the tantalizing prize of international stardom feels closer than ever.
If he keeps his head, his humility and his patience, there is no reason why Jozy Altidore can't attain even his loftiest ambitions.
