Altidore could be loaned after making Liga history
MADRID, Spain -- Jozy Altidore is making his mark at Villarreal, even getting into the Spanish league history books. And yet, that might not be enough to keep the teenage American striker at the Spanish league club for the remainder of the season.
Altidore's 90th minute goal Saturday in Villarreal's 4-1 victory at Athletic Bilbao earned the teenage striker a special billing in Spanish soccer as the first American to score in La Liga. New Jersey-born Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi also plays for Villarreal but under an Italian passport, and is therefore not listed as an American national.
But even that might not be enough to save the United States international from being shipped out on loan come January.
"I don't know, I definitely think it's a possibility. I think they're probably considering it," Altidore told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.
If a move comes, Altidore hopes to play either in England's Premier League or a league that is similar to Spain's.
"But I am also happy to be here helping out. I know whatever they choose it's in the best interest for me," Altidore said.
Coach Manuel Pellegrini said a decision still hadn't been reached on whether to lend the promising young striker out.
"It all depends on how we're looking as the new year approaches, whether we have more injuries to worry about or not," Pellegrini said. "But so far he's fit in nicely."
Altidore's presence on the "Yellow Submarine's" roster has as much to do with a rash of injuries as the lanky striker's abilities. Rossi, Turkey striker Nihat Kahveci and Mexico striker Guillermo Franco all missed early parts of the season, which meant unbeaten Villarreal couldn't farm out the 18-year-old Altidore as expected.
Rossi, who Altidore counts as one of his closest friends, and Franco have returned but the continued absence of Nihat means he could be sticking around.
Either way, Altidore doesn't mind with the team challenging for it's first league trophy.
"This year is definitely a learning experience, I'm not expected to step in immediately and score 20 goals. I'm here this year to learn how things go in La Liga and get experience and train with these guys to make me a better player," said Altidore, who joined the Spanish league runner-ups in a $10 million offseason move from the New York Red Bulls -- a record price for a Major League Soccer player. Goalkeeper Kasey Keller is the only other American to have played in La Liga.
Altidore timed his run perfectly at the San Mames, picking up a through ball in the area to coolly slide a right-footed shot inside the near post past Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz.
"My technique has gotten better, I read plays a little bit earlier. Technically, I'm a little bit sharper, especially when I'm playing here with all of these guys," said Altidore, who signed a six-year contract to play at El Madrigal. "It'll get better from here even if I still have a long way to go in terms of adapting."
Altidore isn't the only who's noticed a change.
"He's improving with every practice. He's adapting well in practice and when he does get a chance to play," Pellegrini said. "He has a natural ability and we want to harness that, but with time. There is no rush. I just hope he takes advantage of the opportunities when he gets them."
Altidore said his move to Spain has surpassed expectations and he has easily settled into Spanish lifestyle, comparing it to time spent in Miami. The Spanish is coming along thanks to classes, and so is his on-field training, which could help him cement a starting spot on the U.S. roster.
"Everyone here is so technically sound so you're forced to have that same technique or touch or you'll easily be noticed," he said. "Just the little movement off the ball and finding open spaces, playing here has benefited me."
