Associated Press reporter Brian Trusdell asks U.S. soccer players and officials to weigh in on U.S. phenom Josmer Altidore, who recently collected his first international goal for the U.S. senior national team in a 2-2 draw with Mexico. Everyone agrees that the 6-foot-2, 190 pound 18-year-old has loads of potential, but many feel Altidore has what it takes to become America’s fist international superstar. Former national team player Eric Wynalda describes Altidore as “a different commodity” from other U.S. players. “There is raw ability. Jozy has all the ingredients to be a terrific soccer player, anywhere,” he says.
Altidore’s New York Red Bulls teammate, Juan Pablo Angel, agrees: “He has the ability to play in any league he wants, but he has to establish himself in MLS.” Ever cautious Bruce Arena, the former coach of the Red Bulls and the U.S. national team, warns, “People are anxious to put [Jozy] on a platform. He needs to get better, in all phases: holding the ball, running off the ball. We all need to appreciate that he’s still only 18 years old.”
Even so, Altidore’s stock continues to rise, which will make it increasingly difficult for MLS to keep him. That said, burnout could be a factor — Altidore is currently playing with the Bulls, the U.S. U-23s, and the senior team. “This next year will be important,” says U.S. U-20 coach Thomas Rongen, for whom Altidore played at the U-20 World Cup in Canada last year. “Can he continue to make progress [in MLS]? Make a contribution with the Olympic team? That’s his next big step. If the answer is yes, a move is imminent.”