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So you probably heard about the false alarm reports of Jozy Altidore heading to Greek powerhouse Olympiakos on loan (the interest in Altidore had been in the Greek papers for weeks). While we wait for a decision to actually be made on where Villarreal sends the young striker (assuming they don't keep him) I couldn't help but wonder what a move to Greece would mean for the young striker.
Such a move would put Altidore on a respected European squad, but it would mean playing in the Greek League, which is a notch below the likes of England and Spain. Olympiakos is in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League though, so Altidore would have the potential to play in the Champions League group stages.
Then there is the travel element.
Altidore would have to travel halfway around the world (okay, so maybe not THAT far) to play in World Cup qualifiers and other international fixture dates, which could take its toll and could force U.S. coach Bob Bradley to limit the number of times he has Altidore take that long trip. (Yes, we're only talking an hour or more longer than an Italy, but it's a few hours further than England or Spain)
The move would have some positives. He would be a good bet for starting time on a squad with several quality players, including Olof Mellberg, Antonios Nikopolidis, Enzo Maresca and Dudu. He would get experience in some pretty intense league matches against the likes of Panathinaikos and AEK Athens. Altidore would also be able to play in what could be considered the shadows as far as American soccer fans go since exposure to the Greek League is minimal in this country. That obscurity might just help the young forward focus and thrive.
While a move to Greece wouldn't be the worst move in the world, count me among those who believe he would be much better off in England or Spain. That said, wherever he goes, he needs to play, so if Altidore has to go all the way to Greece to find a good team that will start him, then it's off to Greece.
What do you think of an Altidore move to Greece? Think it would be a good idea? Hoping it doesn't happen? Still hoping he ends up in England, where you could then watch him every week?
Share your thoughts below.
