Jozy Altidore: Potentially the Most Dangerous American Striker Ever

The reason why I say potentially, as opposed to definitely, is not because I believe Jozy Altidore won't live up to his potential in the coming years. Rest assured, he will. It's for one simple reason: Bob Bradley.

There is no argument the 51-year-old American skipper has caused some displeasure amongst diehard Team U.S.A. fans over this past year.  His latest call-ups, tactics, and performances with the national team have been more than infuriating for many. But personally, I can find no mistake of his more obvious than his decision to place Houston Dynamo striker Brian Ching ahead of Altidore in the U.S. starting eleven.

Now don't get me wrong. I have nothing against Ching. In fact, I recognize that the towering Hawaiian has been a major performer for the national team in the past. However, it is still blatantly apparent to me, as well as most U.S. soccer fans, that after his performances in last month's Gold Cup and against Mexico at the Azteca, that his best days are far behind him.

In contrast, Altidore, despite not finding a place on Villareal's first team last year, and just starting to settle at Hull City, is undoubtedly in his prime.

Physically, Altidore is young, quick and built like an army tank. His menacing 6'1", 180 lb. frame strikes fear into the heart of opposing defenders every time he gets the opportunity to step on the pitch. And his powerful presence in the box has been evidenced by, most notably, his goal against Spain in this year's Confederations Cup, when he out-muscled veteran defender Joan Capdevila and blasted a shot at Iker Casillas that nearly ripped his right hand off.

Aside from that, Jozy is a proven goalscorer. The Jersey boy's three goals on April 1 against Trinidad and Tobago made him the youngest American to score a hat trick in an international game to date, and his seven goals in 17 national team appearences looks more than impressive next to Ching's ten in 42 games. And, keep in mind, Altidore's dominance comes despite Bradley's decision to employ him in an awkward lone striker formation.

Regardless of all the statistics, however, it cannot be denied that just witnessing the 19-year-old Altidore walk onto the pitch is a more intimidating and promising sight than seeing any other American player, besides of course Landon Donovan and fellow national team starlet Charlie Davies, strap up for the Stars and Stripes.

Thus, I would find it hard for anyone to argue against Altidore starting the upcoming qualifiers in Salt Lake City and Trinidad, except for 'ole Bob-O himself.

In the so frequently perplexing and fabricated words of Max Bretos, Altidore is not only a talismanic striker, but a fantasista. And his striking partnership with the aforementioned Davies has the potential to be absolutely lethal against both El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago this upcoming week if used correctly.

Let's just pray that Altidore will see more than just the sideline for 90 minutes in both matches. Then, we can really start to hope again, as we did after dethroning the No. 1 ranked team in the world with goals from Clint Dempsey and who else?

Oh yeah, Jozy Altidore.