Where has Jozy Altidore Been?

After a stunning performance in Wednesday's WCQ for the United States against Trinidad and Tabago Jozy Altidore has thrust himself into the limelight. Altidore scored all three goals in the 3-0 thrashing against a injured and unorganized Trinidad and Tabago, but many people still ended up asking themselves who is Jozy Altidore and why does he ride the bench for the U.S. National Team most of the time?

At the age of 16 Altidore entered the MLS draft as what was expected to be one of the top picks. However, he ended up being the 16th pick of the draft. The MLS had been negotiating with a number of European clubs for quite some time over Altidore's services, and received offers from many clubs including Everton and Villarreal. In the end Altidore ended up signing for the Spanish Giants Villarreal, however Altidore's lack of playing time for The New York Red Bulls only earned Altidore a small amount of playing time at the Spanish Club. Villarreal sent Altidore out on loan to Xerez of the Spanish second division in the hope that Altidore would get a large amount of playing time. To this day Altidore hasnt played a single minute.

Back on the U.S. Men's National Team Jozy's troubles only continued with only 2 goals in 10 games and a lack of playing time. Altidore has steep competition on the National Team from the likes of Clint Dempsey, Brian Ching, and Landon Donovan all of whom have considerably more experience and play regularly for their clubs.

The fact is that good players like Altidore turn into great players like Cristiano Ronaldo by getting experience early on in their careers. The United States needs to cherish players like Altidore who have the skill and determination to play at the highest levels. Hopefully Jozy Altidore's performance under the lights in Tennessee on Wednesday night will prove to be Altidore's chance to earn playing time for Villarreal when he returns from Xerez this summer.

WATCH ALL THREE OF ALTIDORE'S GOALS ON THE USA VS. TRINIDAD AND TABAGO HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO BELOW.