The United States Should Start Rubio Rubin over Jozy Altidore
It’s not about Jozy Altidore. It’s about making the United States’ attack more dangerous.
Bobby Wood is a lock as a starting forward for the United States, but starting Rubio Rubin over Jozy Altidore as the other forward would be a bold and inspired choice for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Rubin like Wood is a dynamic forward who plays with more energy and creativity than Altidore, and letting Rubin and Wood start together would be a valiant attempt to make up for the absence of Clint Dempsey.
While Altidore is a technical, athletic, and powerful forward, there is no denying that both Wood and Rubin display much more on and off the ball movement. These two American strikers stretch the defense more than Altidore, and they also attack the goal with more reckless abandon.
Wood won over American fans by scoring important goals in meaningless friendlies for the United States, but in the Copa America Centenario, he proved to be a striker that could get behind the defense, beat defenders in 1v1 situations, and score with both feet. For American fans used to seeing Altidore not involved in games due to lack of service, seeing Wood rampaging toward the goal definitely stood out. The forward wasn’t just active, but he was technically-skilled as well.
When Rubin has played for the United States, there has been a similar style of attacking play. Starting two forwards like Rubin and Wood isn’t too much firepower, but rather it is the type of change the United States needs to continue becoming a more dangerous opponent.
Altidore is a quality goal-scorer and center forward, but Rubin and Wood are bigger scoring threats. Altidore has proven to be a striker that plays more actively off the ball when other technical and creative players start with him, but going with Rubin over Altidore is something worth trying.
The United States has never been known for its technical skill or scoring ability, but playing Wood with Rubin would help the U.S. to improve in these areas.
With Jordan Morris, the United States would have four quality center forwards on the roster, and now is the perfect time to start making the attacking play of the national team more electric.