“It can get no more thrilling for youth than this,” says Rob Hughes of the International Herald Tribune. Freddy Adu and Jozy Altidore, who forged a sensational pairing at the FIFA U20 World Cup last summer, have together been called up to the senior national team for the first time. Adu’s path to a third national team cap has been very different from that of Altidore, who will no doubt make his national team debut vs. South Africa at some point on Saturday.
Whereas the soccer world has expected nothing less of Freddy, nothing much was expected of Jozy until the youngster established himself in the New York Red Bulls’ first team early in the MLS season. And it may well be that Altidore, blessed with size, speed and a calm demeanor, eclipses his much-hyped teammate. Both are 18, a milestone that saw Adu realize his dream of playing in Europe with Benfica. Jozy, who reached that milestone only last week, may yet follow him, during the European transfer window which opens in January. You can be sure that a number of European coaches will be interested in Altidore’s debut this Saturday.