5 American players to look out for in MLS 2020

2. Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC

Jozy Altidore

Those who follow European football keenly might not have too high an opinion of Jozy Altidore’s footballing abilities, but the big, burly striker has sandwiched his underwhelming spell in Europe with excellent spells in the MLS. Altidore burst on to the scene as a teenager with the MetroStars (now known as the New York Red Bulls) and moved to the La Liga with Villareal as an 18-year-old. A series of loans to Xerex CD, Hull City, and Turkish Super Lig side Bursaspor followed before Altidore signed for Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar in 2011.

This was where he showed his true talent, scoring 51 goals in 93 appearances and earning a move to Sunderland in 2013. However, his time in Holland was to be the peak of his exploits in Europe, as a solitary goal in 42 outings for the Black Cats saw him return stateside in 2015.

Since his return, however, Altidore has rebuilt his career with sterling displays for Toronto FC as well as the USMNT. He averages 0.90 goals/assists per 90 minutes in the MLS since 2015, with that number going up to 1.10 in the post-season. He also happens to be one of the most decorated members of the national side, scoring the third-most goals in USMNT history with 41. Possessing all the key attributes that a successful striker needs in his arsenal, like speed, strength, intelligent movement, and high work rate, the only real weakness in Altidore’s game is his propensity for injury. As one of the veterans in the MLS at 30, he will be hoping for an injury-free campaign in 2020.