In a Post Jozy World . . .

By: Dave Martinez | June 5th, 2008

Take a look into the future of Jozy Altidore - through the wonderful world of MS Paint!

Huelva seems his likely destination. And that is best. A young man of his skill deserves a chance to start - the key word being “chance.” Always keep this in the proper perspective - just because he is transfering to a less than glamourous side does not by any means imply that he will be their immediate starter. The young American, in the microcosm that is La Liga, will have to prove himself, probably more so than others, in order to gain respect and recognition from his mates.

But thats Jozy’s future. And its set in stone.

But what of the Red Bulls?

With Jozy, our team was able to manage an offensive threat, even with the lack of service from the midfield, by presenting a two headed monster in the form of Jozy and Angel. One would get double teamed, the other would get open, and you have yourself a threatening situation.

But with Jozy gone, the teams deficiencies will be on full display. Even with a healthy Echeverry ready to step into Jozys spot, it simply will not be enough. The midfield will have even less to target, the opposing defense will shadow Angel all game, and our defense, no matter how solid, will eventually suffer. This isn’t really doom and gloom - this seems to be the current situation.

THE POST JOZY WORLD

At this stage, ownership can not bear to lose the Red Bulls audience. There is too much at stake for 2009. So I, for one, am expecting some signings once our window is open. Jorge Rojas would be a nice first piece to the puzzle. But I continue to emphasis the point that three quality players in all three parts of the field need to be signed in order for this team to advance into the playoffs and become a contender. With the abundance of allocation money, and cap space, Juan Carlos can turn this season around and become Manager and Business man of the year to boot!

+ A CAM or a LW who could bring in a new dimension to the team. A healthy Dane Richards will bring plenty of attention to the right side. A dangerous LW, which in turn may free Van Den Bergh to play some CAM, and push Reyna back to his traditional CDM in a 3-5-2, would suddenly transform our midfield from a complete sputtering joke, to a cohesive threat. It is worth noting that the New York Post reports Osorio views Jorge Rojas as an Attacking Mid. And I have to admit, he may have the proper tools to do it!

+ A Striker. In Jozy, the Bulls are losing a combination of height, strength, smarts and a player with excellent touch. How do you replace that? Well, I hear Nate Jaqua is on the market right? But even then, you lose the touch and speed. I think the search should be narrowed to Target Forwards - someone in the form of a Martin Palermo’s game. If we have a CAM or LW capable of solid forward distribution, an elusive JPA and solid target forward may be enough to threaten any MLS squad.

+ A Versatile Back. Boyens is a project, not ready for the prime time quite yet. But Goldthwaite, and Parke have proven to be a solid tandem that could easily play duel CB roles in a 4-4-2 or compliment each other in a 3-5-2. Hunter Freeman is always a wing threat, and is best played in those roles. But one more solid back, preferably with height, that can occasionally crash the box in set pieces would be ideal. Maybe it isn’t too late to call back Chris Innes! The money is there!

Fact is, Altidore leaves a gaping hole in our roster (short term), which, in turn, changes the teams tactics and dynamics on all parts of the pitch, creating glaring weaknesses for teams to exploit. It will be up to the defensive know how of Juan Carlos Osorio, and the creativity of the midfield to find success with a very thin lineup.

Once the summer transfer season is under full steam, Osorio must do more with the market than he did during the January transfers. Early word is he will be scouring the Argentine leagues for talent - to which I would always say, excellent idea. But searches like these need to bear fruit. In a post Jozy world, its going to be up to Jeff Agoos and Coach Osorio to find all the right answers.

This is an interesting time to be a Red Bulls fan, and it all starts tonight, ESPN Primetime against Chivas USA. The game is being promoted rather heavily as the “possible last match for Jozy Altidore” in Giants Stadium - or ever - for the Red Bulls. Turn on ESPN Radio - they are updating it every break.

What will the gameplan be? How will the Bulls react to the spotlight and attention? Share your thoughts.