AMSTERDAM – It seems very safe to say that most 20-year-old Americans won't have quite as much riding on their Wednesday as does Jozy Altidore.

The US striker will be key to World Cup advancement hopes against Algeria, and then could be playing for his next club assignment under the watchful eyes of some of Europe's top clubs.

First things must come first, though, and Altidore's primary mission in Pretoria will be to help the 'Nats defeat the Desert Foxes to secure a place in the round of 16. As pitifully displayed by England, that might be easier said than done.

Regardless of who coach Bob Bradley picks to ride shotgun with Altidore, he will need to bring his engine. He did well to wear down the Slovenia center backs before eventually serving up the key knockdown for Michael Bradley's equalizer.

Algeria, luckily, are prone to conceding the same weak side runners – a method of scoring in the run of play not unfamiliar to the Americans. Altidore can plot his goal approach accordingly, on or off the ball.

This can be an especially fruitful idea to keep in mind when running opposite post from Landon Donovan, who draws the defense like a magnet and can deliver the accurate final ball.

Of course, the New Jersey-born forward can expect a few rough rides on hold-up duty against the accomplished and aggressive Algeria central defense. Altidore was suffering from stomach woes on Tuesday, so Bradley wisely kept his top gun out of training to rest up.

Thinking beyond Wednesday's match, the youngster will also hope to clarify his club status with a strong (and prolonged) World Cup showing. With loan employers Hull City relegated to the Championship in England, it seems quite unlikely that they will take up their purchase option by month's end.

With proper owners Villarreal, view of his future is cloudy. It may well be that the quality of Altidore's World Cup outings could convince manager Juan Carlos Garrido of where the American belongs – one way or the other.

The Yellow Submarines have waved goodbye to Joseba Llorente, which theoretically would leave Altidore third on the depth chart behind Nilmar and Giuseppe Rossi. However, the club is also high on youngsters Jefferson Montero and Marco Rubén.

While Spanish outlet Nostre Sport has reported that Villarreal definitely want to bring Altidore back into their strike stable, there is also plenty of interest in his services across Europe.

"Right now, everything's a possibility," Altidore rep Lyle Yorks told MLSsoccer.com. "There's interest for transfers, and there's also the possibility of a loan."

The agent confirmed that Altidore has prospective suitors in England, the Netherlands and Spain. MLSsoccer.com has also learned that Ajax, Celtic and Espanyol are among the gaggle of clubs with scouts in South Africa to watch the US No. 17 shirt.

AMSTERDAM — Spanish side Villarreal currently have all options open with regards to the future of US striker Jozy Altidore, MLSsoccer.com has learned.

Plenty of European clubs are waiting to see if the La Liga outfit will decide to part company with the 20-year-old, either temporarily or permanently.

"There is nothing definite," a Villarreal spokesperson told MLSsoccer.com. "It is not yet known whether he's staying, whether he will be loaned out or whether he will be sold."

The Spanish club said that there is no specific timeline for a decision to be made as long as the international transfer window remains open.

Each World Cup player is given 25 days of vacation time from the day that his country is eliminated from the tournament. For Altidore, that means a return to the Spanish club on July 21, unless his future is determined before that day.

Altidore's representative, Lyle Yorks, recently told MLSsoccer.com that his client has both loan and transfer offers on the table, as well as further interest.

The agent recently admitted to suitors in England, Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland, Spain and Turkey. MLSsoccer.com has previously confirmed that Ajax, Bursaspor, Celtic, Espanyol and Napoli are among the clubs to have at least scouted Altidore in person at World Cup.

Sky Sports reported an Everton offer back in January, while new rumors suggest US coach Bob Bradley could swoop for his World Cup forward if he takes over at Fulham. In Spain, reports linked Palermo to Altidore this week.

Altidore has four years remaining on a six-year contract with the Yellow Submarines. He spent his first season in Spain alternating between Villarreal and second-division side Xerez before moving to Hull City in the EPL for his second full European season.

Former Villarreal reserves coach Juan Carlos Garrido has returned as manager of the club after being called on in early 2010 to see out the remainder of the 2009-2010 La Liga season.

En waarom krijg je een soort tweemans-middenveld?

Je mag mij overigens wel eens aanwijzen wat de momenten zijn waarop Siem zich zo goed vrijloopt. Niet voor niets geeft hij zelden echt beslissende passes: daarvoor moet je jezelf vrijlopen in een zone waar het de tegenstander pijn kan doen (en de tegenstander je dus ook minder ruimte gunt). Bovendien ligt z'n handelingssnelheid niet bijzonder hoog.

De Jong (Siem) loopt ook helemaal niet zo goed vrij. Dat zou een fiasco worden in de spits.

Z'n broertje doet dat inderdaad beter. Is ook wat atletischer.

... als we Ronald Waterreus mogen geloven.

... als we Ronald Waterreus mogen geloven.

Graag de bron erbij, Pannie. Heb ik al meer keren gevraagd, he.

Let maar op die gaat niet voor minder dan 4 miljoen.