Book of Dreams, “God will produce the greatest soccer player in the world. And, he will come from the United States – the chosen nation of the world.”

Photo by ISI Photos

In the United States, we always seem to be looking for the next great Soccer savior to emerge from our shores. Several years ago, it was a young Ghanian immigrant kid that out dribbled everyone here in Indianapolis at the then Snickers National Championships. That young man was Freddy Adu, a player that has struggled since going professional at the tender age of 14. He was the next Pele and walked on water.

I think Freddy listened to all his press and has since struggled to make the impact everybody thought he would make. I think American Soccer fans expected too much from a 14 year old kid. He is still a young player that possesses some great technical ability. Let’s hope that his time in Greece allows him the opportunities he has been lacking the past 2 years in Europe.

Jozy Altidore

American Soccer fans need to calm down. Because now the same expectations are being put onto a young kid from New Jersey named Jozy Altidore.

Jozy is and has been a natural goal scoring talent. He featured for the New York Red Bulls at 16. The difference between he and Freddy was most people left him alone. They did not want to make the same mistake with him. And, he produced on the field.

Jozy was transferred from the MLS side New York Red Bulls to La Liga’s Villareal 2 years ago for a record $10 million transfer. He had limited playing time on his arrival into Spain. He was sent to Xerex of the Segundo Division for playing time. The problem was Xerex was playing so well, they did not need him and they were working towards promotion. It just did not work out for him. Villareal always had it in mind to send Jozy on loan.

This year, they sent him to England to play for Hull City. No offense to Hull City fans, but the team was crap before Jozy arrived. He was not going to make it that much better. Hull City’s midfield still sucked and their defense let in goals like a sieve. For selfish reasons, I can say that Jozy got out of Hull City what he went there to do – get playing time, get knocked around and adapt to the game in Europe.

Now he can go back to Villareal battle tested and stronger for the experience. And, he can start tearing up La Liga.

Here is why I say this, if you look at the careers of players like Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry, Ruud Van Nistelroy and even Eric Cantona. They were not world beaters at 20 years old. Their games played and goal production are very similar to what Jozy has accomplished. Jozy has actually done more, as he has 8 national team goals to his name in competitive FIFA competitions.

(Yeah, but that is in CONCACAF) Well, some of the European groups are pretty weak as I am a follower of one of those weak teams. I wish my Hungarian team had a forward of Jozy’s ability.  (They do actually, but the coaches are reluctant to put too much expectation on a young kid name Krisztian Nemeth – only the fans see him as a savior too).

The magic number 25

A player does not reach his full potential until he is 25 years old. How old are Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo? When did they really come into their own and start dominating games? Even Lionel Messi was allowed to develop his talent at Barcelona. Give Jozy a break.

Point is, to expect that out of Jozy Altidore is premature and just not going to happen.

My only concern for Jozy was his goal production should have been higher for Hull City. However, what he did not produce in goals, he did draw important fouls that led to goals. He was generally rated pretty high in post-game player ratings on Sky Sports.

I know American soccer fans have had their disappointments from the 2006 World Cup. We can’t put our hopes and dreams onto a 20 year old kid from New Jersey who is really just getting started. He accomplished what he needed to accomplish at Hull City. He will play for the US National Team. He may even be the impact player against talent from Slovenia and Algeria.

To expect him to carry us through to the final is a little much.

Freddy Adu is the lesson for all of us. We were too impatient with him. Let’s not do the same to Jozy Altidore.