Jozy Altidore (white jersey), shown above in a 2010 FIFA World Cup match against Ghana, has 23 goals in 70 games for the United States. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, Brazil – Though only 24-years-old, United States striker Jozy Altidore has managed to fit more into a short career than most professional footballers do in a lifetime.
He has already made club stops in New York, Spain, England, Turkey, Holland and, then, back to England.
Add in his frequent trans-Atlantic flights for the national team and you’ll find a well-traveled player with a burning desire to succeed at the highest level.
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The six-foot-one-inch forward is physically superior to most defenders, developing a reputation for his hold-up play and ability to bring midfielders in to the attack. Capable of playing as a lone striker or in a 4-4-2 formation, Altidore enjoyed an incredible run of form in 2013. He netted 31 goals for AZ Alkmaar in 41 appearances, while also scoring eight times in 14 outings for the U.S., which included a record run of five consecutive matches with a goal.
While a difficult past season with England’s Sunderland has led some to ask questions about his form ahead of the World Cup, Altidore’s play in recent friendlies revealed the answer. A two-goal performance in a 2-1 win over Nigeria on Saturday showed his international touch remains lethal.
In truth, Altidore all too often cut a lone figure at Sunderland. He was forced to chase down long balls over the top for a side battling to remain in the league’s top flight.
Things are different for him within the U.S. camp. Having trekked throughout Europe in search of a club he can call home, Altidore has always looked comfortable in the red, white and blue. Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann hopes to see his faith in the talented forward be repaid in Brazil
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JOZY ALTIDORE
Country: USA
Club: Sunderland
Position: Forward
Birthdate: November 6, 1989
FIFA STATISTICS
WORLD CUP
Appearances (1): 2010
Games Played: 4
Goals: 0
WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Appearances (2): 2010, 2014
Games Played: 26
Goals: 10
CONFEDERATIONS CUP
Appearances (1): 2009
Games Played: 5
Goals: 1
OLYMPIC FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
Appearances (1): 2008
Games Played: 3
Goals: 1
