Photo by Bill Barrett/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Age is nothing but a number.
U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has selected young forward Jozy Altidore as the Americans’ captain for their final 2014 World Cup qualifier in Panama on Tuesday night. The match will mark the first time that the experienced 23-year-old forward has worn the armband for the full national team.
The U.S. squad that will take on the Canaleros at Estadio Rommel Fernandez is comprised mostly of reserves and younger players, but veterans like DaMarcus Beasley (who Klinsmann named captain earlier this year) and Kyle Beckerman are on the team. Still, it is Altidore that Klinsmann has surprisingly chosen to lead the Americans as they try to close out their successful qualifying campaign with a victory over Panama.
Altidore has scored in each of his last six starts for the U.S.
What do you think of Altidore being named captain? Surprised the armband was not given to Beasley or Beckerman? Think Altidore could be a future U.S. captain?
Share your thoughts below.