PISTON
Striker
That is the fundamental difference between the likes of Fletch and Altidore. Growing up, I bet there was no doubt Fletch wasn't going to be anything other than a footballer.
Altidore, on the other hand, I imagine was good at a lot of sports at school/college when he was growing up and at some point he made the decision to "major" in "soccer". Ok, he's somehow managed to make a good living out of it but it still seems like it was the wrong choice. Watching him for just 10-20 minutes and you can see he isn't a natural footballer.
We've had some terrible centre forwards over the years but I'm struggling to think of one who looked so out of place on a football pitch as Altidore...
There's an art to cushioning the ball like Fletcher did.
If i was developing a training program for Altidore i'd stick him in front of a net or wall and start kicking footballs towards him at pace till he developed cotton wool feet. Mark out a circle or similar with a rope and Altidore inside, the ball not being allowed to leave the circle. I'd just blaze away getting faster and closer, or the circle getting smaller, till he either mastered it or gave up.
I think some people are more naturally gifted than others at this but it is a skill that can definitely be improved. It's a bread and butter requirement for most footballers, and team sportsmen for that matter.