Michael Bradley defends Jozy Altidore's lack of goals

Toronto FC are enjoying a fairly successful start to their MLS season. Despite beginning the campaign with eight straight away matches, they sit in third place on the Eastern conference table.

Supporters of the team have little to complain about, yet one area of concern they've been vocal about is the poor goal scoring form of United States international, Jozy Altidore. Since starting the season injured with a hamstring strain, Altidore has played in seven matches (five starts) without finding the net. That doesn't mean he hasn't been productive as he's helped the team with his hold-up play.

TFC and USMNT captain, Michael Bradley, has come to the defense of his good friend. He told the Toronto Sun that Jozy helps the team in many other ways than scoring goals and that it takes a precise understanding of the game to appreciate his contributions.

"For anyone who has watched our team and paid attention this season, if you truly understand the game, you'd know Jozy has played a humongous part in our success." 

"Jozy has such a unique blend of physicality, athleticism, technical ability, quality and good feet," Bradley continued. "For someone his size, he's mobile. He's able to run and be fast."

-Michael Bradley; Source: Toronto Sun

Altidore is no stranger to goal scoring slumps. His career, both on the international and club level, has been nothing but peaks and valleys. When he's in good form and scoring goals he can carry a team on his back. Yet, when he's struggling to find the net he can be an extremely frustrating player to watch.

This seems to be what type of player he'll always be. You have to take the bad with the good when it comes to watching him play on a daily basis.