Jurgen Klinsmann praised the recent work ethic of Jozy Altidore and said the U.S. national team striker is "maturing" and seems ready to make the most out of the rest of his career.
Altidore, 26, scored a goal for the U.S. and played a key part in the team's second equalizer in a dramatic 3-2 friendly win versus Iceland. Substitute Steve Birnbaum scored a 90th-minute header to give the U.S. the win, its first of the 2016 campaign in as many games.
Following the match, Klinsmann wouldn't say that Altidore had changed, but said he has learned that he belongs with the team now and that is showing up in every aspect of his game.
"I think 'change' might be a little bit exaggerated," Klinsmann said. "We definitely see a Jozy maturing, a Jozy realizing that, 'I belong already to the established, older guys.'"
Klinsmann added that he always tries to be as honest as he can with his players as the progress through their careers, especially when they hit the critical ages between 26 and 28.
"I always remind them that, 'Guys, you've got to maximize your career now.' Don't look back in six or eight years from now and say, 'Oh shoot, if I would have know that I should have done more.'
"So I always tell them, 'Maximize your time right now,'" Klinsmann said. "And I think Jozy is at a point in his career where he really becomes an adult saying, 'I've got to get the most out of this whole thing. I play a Copa America this summer.'"
To his credit, said the coach, Altidore came to camp early and in great shape and ready to make a mark. Klinsmann admitted there's still work to do ahead of a busy summer, but said he felt Altidore was definitely on the right track.
The 2016 season for the national team includes multiple World Cup qualifiers and the chance to play at home as hosts of the Copa America Centenario from June 3 -26.
"Maybe that's the only Copa America you're going to play, especially in your home country," Klinsmann said. "Jozy was determined to come here and get going, get this year 2016 started in the right way, which he did, and build.
"Obviously with every day, he'll build more fitness, build more stability, build more confidence and so on. It's fun to have him.
ESPN FC writer Jeff Carlisle contributed to this story.