USMNT player to watch

28 months. 28 months in the MLS and at the age of 18 it was time to make the jump to Europe.

When Villareal came calling and throwing roughly $10 million at the league for his services, it was time for MLS and Jozy Altidore to part ways.

We all knew it was coming. It was just a matter of time for the teenage striker, who has been looked at as being the future of American soccer’s attack since the early stages of his professional career.

Listed at just 6’1, 175 pounds, the teen plays much bigger. He has had no problems throwing some muscle around, while still pulling off some crafty moves when needed. He has shown off his gift ever since he set foot on the pitch for New York. Despite struggles from the team, the youngster has always had the ability to create more than enough highlights with his finishing touch.

On the international stage in 2007, he led the U-20 team with four goals as they advanced to the quarterfinals of the U-20 World Cup. Two of his four goals came in a 2-1 win over Brazil.

In his first start with the senior team, Jozy wasted no time, scoring against bitter rival Mexico in 2-2 draw in February.

With just over two years of professional experience, Spain should do wonders for Altidore’s game as long as he puts in the work. He seems level headed and mature beyond his years, but only time will tell. The Spanish nightlife can easily ruin a young man’s progress if he doesn’t steer clear.

He’s got the size, speed, and ability that anyone could want in someone his age. The sky appears to be the limit for Altidore.

As I’ve been harping on in previous posts, Bradley finally made the move and put the young phenom back on his qualifying roster. He should be starting. There isn’t much competition up top. Eddie Johnson never lived up to expectations. Josh Wolff never was a legitimate prospect for the spot. Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsy just aren’t true forwards. And as for Brian Ching, I just don’t know if he can be trusted at the international level against quality defenses.

Altidore is the future for the U.S. attack and he should be starting from here on out for the national team. In time, he will progress in Europe, which will only help him that much more when he comes back to the states.

Like it was just a matter of time before he took his game to Europe, it’s just a matter of time before he cements his place in Bradley’s starting lineup.

Expect big things from this kid, but be patient.