LONDON -- Sunderland boss Gus Poyet may remain reluctant to give Jozy Altidore regular competitive minutes, but the striker’s contributions in Friday's 2-1 US national team defeat to Colombia in an international friendly at Craven Cottage, particularly in a frantic first half, were that of a true captain.
Altidore certainly didn’t look like a player who has been shunted to the margins of his club roster. All physical presence and industry, the 25-year-old, wearing the captain's armband once again for his country, got his reward, slotting home the first-half penalty that gave the US the lead in the 10th minute.
Ultimately, it wasn’t enough, but for Altidore to get himself back in the goals and show a sharp physical and mental intensity, despite the lack of playing minutes with his club, was a statement of sorts.
USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann admitted after the game that the player’s lack of opportunities at club level was a concern, but paid tribute to his striker’s dedication to the cause.
“All we can do is to keep our fingers crossed, that he can convince the coach. But it’s not on us," Klinsmann said. "We know when he comes to us, he’s full of energy, he loves the spirit here, he’s one of our most experienced players.
"And tonight, when he had more and more one-on-one situations, he proved that he can be a real handful. And hopefully this helps him too, it gives him a little more confidence. This is the Jozy Altidore that we know.”
Altidore himself was philosophical about his club situation and shrugged off the idea that having to re-focus for international games might be a problem. “It is was it is. I always feel honored to have the opportunity to play for the national team. I have nothing bad to say about my club, I have a good manager.”
Asked about his strike partner on the night, debutant Rubio Rubin, Altidore was visibly enthused. “I thought it was great for him, for an 18-year-old to make his first start against the number three side in the world. I thought he did more than OK. It’s a great step for him, now he knows what’s expected of him at this level, what it takes.”
Before the game, Klinsmann had spoken of wanting the more experienced heads on the team to mentor younger players. It turns out Altidore has already been giving Rubin plenty of advice.
“Yeah, I’m always talking to Rubio, when I’m in England I send him messages, because he has a talent, you can see that. I’m happy for him. He works really hard and he has that knack of being in the right place in the right time. And that helps me.”
