Altidore happy to adapt his game for 'special talent' Giovinco

Toronto FC's burly striker Jozy Altidore has no problem with tweaking his game to accommodate his teammate and Major League Soccer's MVP Sebastian Giovinco.

Altidore signed with TFC from Sunderland in January 2015 as a Designated Player, but just three days later, the franchise made the most important acquisition in its history by signing of Giovinco from Juventus.

The diminutive Italian took to life across the pond seamlessly, claiming an incredible 22 goals and 16 assists over 32 league starts. Altidore's record was commendable - 13 goals in 21 starts - but he's suffered repeated fitness concerns in the Canadian chapter of his career. The 26-year-old appreciates that he's become the secondary focus in Greg Vanney's attack.

"I think I'm in a unique position," Altidore told ESPN on Sunday. "I think if you look around the league in the past, yeah, I'm a striker, but I'm playing with one of the most special talents this league's ever seen, and you've got to change your game a little bit if you want to play alongside a talent like that and still find a way (to) help the team. And I'm doing that.

"I'm going to score goals too, but that side of it is a part of me that I have to give to the team to make sure the team's successful."

Unfortunately for the former New York Red Bulls man, goals have not been forthcoming so far. Altidore has appeared in five of TFC's opening six fixtures of the 2016 campaign without a strike, while Giovinco has claimed six of the eight netted by his team.

"He's a great guy, bubbly, smiling all the time, and that's what makes it so fun to play with him," Altidore continued. "He's just a great person off the field. And on the field his talent is second to none."

The greatest improvement from last season has been Toronto FC's defensive efforts. The Ontario outfit's conceded just five goals in its opening seven fixtures - all away from home - and will finish its road trip at the Portland Timbers this Sunday.

"I think through seven games if you look at us defensively, we're a big improvement compared to last year," Altidore said. "I think it's a challenge for us to every game be as good as last game."

Altidore's route into Vanney's XI this weekend may have been made easier through the involuntary absence of Jonathan Osorio with an ankle injury. It is hoped that Osorio will be able to return for the home opener against FC Dallas on May 8.