Jozy Altidore has played in three different countries since leaving MLS for Europe back in 2008, and he's about to make it four.
Altidore has agreed to terms with Dutch power AZ Alkmaar for the upcoming Eredivisie season, sources told Fox Soccer on Thursday evening. Details on the move have yet to become available, but Altidore is expected to make the announcement official on Friday morning in Florida.
Altidore was last season scoring two goals for the U.S. men's national team during this summer's Gold Cup before a hamstring ended his tournament early. The 21-year-old striker had been rumored to be considering a move to the Netherlands, but only recently reached an agreement to make the move.
What do you think of this news? Like the idea of Altidore playing in the Dutch League? How many goals can you see him scoring this season?
Share your thoughts below.
For all we know they may play 433 which only increases his chances.
I doubt he scores 25 but he could score a few, M. Bradley’s record wasn’t random, it was the result of fast break, defense be darned Dutch soccer. This year the most potent offense scored 79 goals in 34 games. AZ had 55 GF. And there are teams with as many as 98 GA in 34 games. He will get plenty of chances.
Both of Jozy’s goals in the Gold Cup were great, shows that he has been working hard to raise the level of his game. He was playing with poise and confidence and desire. I predict he is going to develop into a very respectable striker, especially if Bob Bradley steps down and a world-class coach is put in charge of the USMNT.
The good news is that Bradley is stepping down from the USMNT to coach AZ Alkmaar.
I’d love for him to score four million goals this season and bring about world peace!
Sorry, just making a joke about your choice of words, while also pre-empting the Jozy haters.
I agree he could be right around a dozen goals if all goes well.
joe gaetjens, but Haiti did not produce Jozy. USA produced him… And Rossi.
And so we continue to await this important detail: loan or purchase?
🙂
it’s a sad day when spam is so “authentic” that a half dozen people respond to it.
It’s spam, guys. it’s used to get the post count up.
Don’t worry, I don’t get this joke either.
I’m so out of the loop. What’s this joke referring to?
I like the move overall. It’ll definitely improve his skills. That being said, his skills really aren’t his biggest issue.
I’m not saying he’s great. His first touch tends to be poor, his aerial game isn’t nearly as good as you’d expect from someone of his size and strength, and his finishing is inconsistent. However, his ability to take players on is pretty impressive, and his combination of size, speed, and strength alone makes him, or someone else, at least one good chance per game, although he needs to work on throwing his body around more like he did against Costa Rica. Moreover, all of these things are bound to improve, especially in as good a league as this.
The problem I see is that I’m not sure that Jozy has learned the proper discipline it takes to be a pro, specifically his work rate. He doesn’t seem to be willing to work hard to win a starting spot, improve himself, or help his (club) team to great heights.
So while Jozy’s skills will no doubt improve in Holland, will his discipline as a professional athlete do the same? I’m not quite so sure.
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but with Ronaldo, Drogba, Modric, Sneijder, and Beckham coming in, that puts him pretty far down the lineup… But I hear they are talking to Bradley about the coaching position, so Jozy should start for sure!
@nano, that is so sweet of you
I will be very surprised if he starts let alone scores more than 5 goals
Sorry, but he wouldn’t stand a chance at breaking into that lineup’s striking force. He’d have to find a way through Daniel Osvaldo, Callejon, Luis Garcia, and Sergio Garcia. Can’t see him doing that at the moment.
LMAO 25 goals. Haiti has never produced a single decent soccer player let alone a star player. I give him 4-5 goals max.
None of these are right haha
I just want him to be happy…
*Fjords
A new club from Indiana, the Harrison (IN) Fords.
🙂
i hope they improve his cardio. he might have ability but he can’t go far between refuelings. that’s the difference between him (hype) and greatness.
if jozy gets 25 goals the USA will be 2014 WC favorites!!
Any word on where Junior or Jones are going to play?
Dutch soccer is about being able to read the game and be proactive hopefully he will learn alot. If things go perfect he wont be a first team starter till october. he isnt techincal and he is a classic ball watcher. lets get real people. i think being a first team starter is the first thing he needs to worry about than whatever goals he gets after that is all cake
I know right? Little Bradley bagged like 16 at Heerenveen and everyone knows he’s garbage so Jozy has to be good for at least 20…
But seriously, if he gets 25 the internet might explode.
25 goals
And a lot of people shutting up
Seems like the league should be good for him. He’s continue to develop from a technical standpoint, and, if given playing time, should be able to use his massive strength to his advantage. At any rate, it should be better than his current situation.
“Thriving”?
Regardless, what Jozy needs most is consistent PT, and this looks like a great opportunity. And playing in Holland can’t hurt the tactical acumen (Jozy already had Hull City for that).
“……..Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nothing to…….”
I believe he’s halfway through a 6 year contract with Villareal, obviously subject to change in regards to whatever deal he has in place with AZ Alkmaar.
‘…boots with the fur…’
jozy will play guys. AZ sold their top 2 strikers and signed one new person who COULD play striker if needed.
Would’ve liked to see him play with Hector Moreno. Hector just left to join Espanyol at Barcelona.
‘…living just to find emotion…’
i hope that Freddy will follow him to the Dutch league.. He’d do very well there..
Indeed. Make sure you’re stern, please.
I imagine it will take him some time to crack the lineup, but I would be thrilled if he gets some starts before Christmas. It would be even better if he bags some goals. Perhaps a little schooling in total football might help.
Don’t Stop Believing….
I’ll have a talk with Wikipedia. They need to be more forthcoming.
I’m sorry but this is off-topic. What type of cleats will Jozy wear for AZ?
After 3 years in Europe, he’s played in England, Spain, Turkey and now Holland. Very definition of a journey-man. And he’s still just 21
someone has a soccer cleat fetish…
Another loan, or a transfer this time? When’s his Villareal contract expire, anyway? Wikipedia was not forthcoming.
Thank you for this information. I will dream of Brazilians and their footwear.
shut the f&&k up
Glad he is back in a solid Euro league. Hopefully he can get some consistent play, increase his goal scoring and find a home for more than one (or half of a) season. It can’t be good for your game (or head) trying to mesh with a new team, style and coach every year.
I’d love for him to score 10-15 goals this season.
Hopefully he sees the field this time and finds his form again.
Love him. Super talented. I would love to see him on a team that can get the ball to him.
1
i think Jozy will score 8-10 goals in the dutch league this season. There is no real reason to predict that many except that I am an optimist. Good move for Jozy though!
great move for him. With an american in the front office, and a coach that’s been a longtime fan he couldn’t ask for a better place. I can see Jozy striving with AZ, they play some good soccer and with better service and support staff jozy should be able to bag a bunch.