Landon Donovan and what could have been; not such a pretty picture
by Steve Davis on Dec 9, 2009 4:35 PM EST
23 comments
Here’s a little something for everyone to ponder as they consider the latest news on Landon Donovan.
Quick 411 for background: Everton manager David Moyes may attempt to work out a loan agreement for the Grade A U.S. prime beef of attackers. He wouldn’t be available until January 1, which means the all-time
I’ve written several times that I don’t understand the degree of piss and vinegar squirted in Donovan's direction. Some fans got their shorts in a twist because he didn’t fancy staying in
Would it have been better for Donovan to stay put? You know, just stick it out "like a man," as so many seem to think he should have?
Because let me propose what Donovan might be today had he done what so many people (who will never walk a mile in his shoes, but who seem to think they know what’s best for his life) believe he should have:
He’d be Eddie Johnson. Or DaMarcus Beasley. Or Jovan Kirovski, for that matter. Or any one of a number of
Now, with Donovan having accomplished so much in domestic soccer, he’s in a place in his life where this move makes more sense. That just wasn’t the case when he was an unhappy teenager in
From a performance standpoint, sitting all glum and hum-drum on a foreign team’s bench is useless as spit on a pump handle. Oh, I suppose it’s OK for a season or two for a youngster in need of professional seasoning. But after that, if you don’t play you don’t get better. Period. You’re never going to be a bold, confident, cocky goal-scoring buckaroo if you’re not even making the 18-man selection on Saturdays. And unhappy people are very likely to be under-achieving players.
So, yes, Donovan could have stubbornly chosen to ride out an unhappy situation, preferring the "glory" of collecting a paycheck from some Euro-snob’s delight. Instead, he chose the "ignominy" (in some eyes) of MLS. Except that it’s worked out brilliantly. Here, he destroys defenses, wins awards and basically keeps his skills so sharp that he’s clearly the best field player in a
But never mind all that. Clearly he should have remained in Europe – if only to please some of these knuckle-headed
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You forgot a name...
It’s a name from your last post: Freddy Adu!
Chad the Ref
damn!
funny thing is, i was writing another post when I had this thought about Donovan. And the post was mostly about Freddy Adu! It’s like when you’re looking for milk in the fridge, but get distracted and start looking behind the big thing of milk … while searching for the milk!
by Steve Davis on Dec 10, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Good post!
Donovan seems to have been vindicated. Still, I hope after WC 2010, I really hope he heads to Europe, if only so that his many US fans can see what he can do over there.
Not mediocre. Right about average
discouraging...
this is really in regards to the last two posts (Adu and this one) and tempered with the fact that Beasely got a rare start for Rangers today, only to be subbed off at half-time and contribute nothing to their exceedingly poor Champs. Lge. showing.
I get frustrated when I reflect upon the number of “next great hopes” for USA soccer that seem to get caught in the death spiral, the odd combination of injuries, poor form, lack of playing time, poorly-timed managerial switches, etc. etc. that seem to suck in talented American players when they venture abroad. It seems like we suffer more than our share of these losses, but that may just be our relative lack of numbers and experience. I can only hope that more time, and continued development of the US game can alleviate this problem.
I have my qualms with Donovan, and I will readily admit is far from my favorite player, but at least he’s survived. Adu is young, so there is still time, but he seems dangerously close to slipping in himself, and a return to MLS may be all that can save him. Perhaps he could learn from Donovan.
...that's MISTER Keller to you!!!
on point
hallelujah. the lad has done well for himself by following his gut and playing the game.
everyone else can just wish they could have been in the position to make the choices Donovan has had to make.
Adu to FCD
We’ll take him! Closest thing to a DP we would ever get.
Chad the Ref
Unfortunately
Those that aren’t playing now, won’t be coming to MLS now.
The damn CBA isn’t done yet.
http://www.prostamerika.com/soundersfc/2009/12/08/worlds-biggest-derby-ends-goalless/
I am not a Supporter
I am not a Fan
I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart
Wrong link
http://www.sounderatheart.com/2009/12/9/1193975/mls-mlspu-get-the-damn-cba-done
Sorry about that. Why Can’t I delete my own comment?
I am not a Supporter
I am not a Fan
I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart
Definitely agree
I’m a relatively new soccer/futbol fan but it consistently frustrates me to see all of these American players on the bench abroad. I don’t see what the problem is for Donovan to be a star here instead of an afterthought overseas. Eddie Johnson used to be someone I really liked in past WC’s and now he can’t even crack the roster.
I’m really hoping this phenomenon doesn’t happen to Jozy Altidore. It’s been great to see him finally get some consistent starts of late for Hull City because he really needs to keep sharp for the WC.
As for Donovan, nothing would please me more than to have him join Everton. I already love watching their games to watch Tim do his thing but if Donovan was on the pitch as well, they would easily be the most exciting team for me to watch in the Premier League. I’d also really love to see how he does against some of the top world talent.
I’ve seen some elsewhere say that they don’t think he could handle it, I don’t see why he couldn’t with his International experience, anyone have thoughts to back this up?
by I need more Esteban on Dec 10, 2009 1:27 PM EST reply actions
The American dilemna
I think the problem extends to unwillingness of foreign managers to accept Americans and play them when the situation calls for it. As young and raw as Adu is, you can’t tell me he doesn’t deserve playing time on Belenenses, who currently have one win and are tied at third to last in Portugal. I understand the height complaints, but you aren’t putting him on the field to win headers on set pieces.
As for our other young players: Altidore is playing for a better side, and his playing time has increased. If he can improve his first touch, he would be starting more often. Also, Hull’s midfield hasn’t actually got him the ball when he plays, and it’s hard to impress when you get the ball once and have a bad touch on that sole opportunity.
Beasley will most likely be leaving Rangers asap. While Maurice Edu, his teammate there, cracked the lineup more frequently, only to be sidelined by injury. Like Beasley, Eddie Johnson is also languishing on the bench. Had he stayed in MLS, he would have been in form, and the likely replacement in Charlie Davies spot in the starting 11.
The success stories include our goalies, who match up with the world’s best, and strangely enough Clint Dempsey, who draws my ire every few US matches with his complete unwillingness to drop back as teams attack our wings. I think it takes for an American player to succeed a fire of sorts that Dempsey and Bradley have, whereas Donovan has always come off as a laid back guy. He speaks with his play, and coaches for some reason can’t see that.
"It’s not about the guacamole itself," Greinke said. "I just don’t want to let them win."
Totally agree!
Donovan was right. The Europe siren song has done more to destroy our young players than to develop them. A player realistically only has 10-15 years of prime playing time. Why waste them on a bench? There is another consideration as well. If more players like Donovan would stay in MLS then MLS would prove to be a more challenging environment for all our players. Sending them abroad because they can’t fully develop in MLS is a self-fulfilling prophecy. And finally, I don’t give a fig for the EPL, and I don’t care as much about the MNT as I do MLS. I am a DCU supporter, and I want to see these young players playing in our stadiums.
Definitely
it’s all counter-productive. They leave to get better competition but then sit the bench. If they all stayed then the competition would elevate and everyone would be getting better. High competition is the best developmental tool there is. Not getting to play is probably the worst.
by I need more Esteban on Dec 10, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
Conor freaking Casey
I think young players should see him playing on the MNT, and think…hmmm, he’s no where near as talented nor useful defensively as the other players, but he gets minutes because he’s always in match form. The MLS is perfect for younger players, because they will get minutes from American managers and then can use a World Cup performance to get them a midsummer transfer somewhere better when they are older and ready.
"It’s not about the guacamole itself," Greinke said. "I just don’t want to let them win."
Successful formula seems to be college + MLS...
Whether the young player stays in MLS or moves on to other leagues, the best path seems to be college first (2 years or so), then several years in MLS. After that the value seems to determine if a move overseas is in order. Harkes, Reyna, McBride, Cobi, Lalas, Dempsey, Gooch, Cherundolo, Hejuk, etc. all had college competition under their belts. Gooch and Spector are a bit different because of their European passports. That makes a big difference for US players.
None of this matters if the CBA isn’t finalized soon and in a way that creates real opportunities for American players in MLS.
Eddie Johnson. Or DaMarcus Beasley. Or Jovan Kirovski are inferior players.
I don’t think Donovan playing in the US has really hurt his game or the US team, but if EVERY US player played in the MLS it absolutely would. I would like to see Donovan play in England as well, but he has made a good career playing in the US, and the MLS absolutely needs players like him.
Difference between Bayer Munich (Bundesliga) stint last year and Everton (EPL) this year.
Someone please help me understand why Donovan will succeed with Everton this season. Last year in Germany didn’t go so well. Why is this any different?
Believe me, I would love for him to to establish himself as an elite force amongst the finest. Not sure it will happen, unless I am missing something.
That is why he will succeed?
I hope there is more than just that.
He played well in Germany at first. He seemed to fade fast after finding out that he wasn’t going to be able to stay over there.
by danielfarrell on Dec 13, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Wouldn't it be the same case this season then?
He will most likely be on loan to Everton. Assuming that is the case, are you saying that he will fade this season as well?
I think that if he plays well, but not fantastic, and realizes that he’ll be back in MLS because Everton(or another EPL team) aren’t willing to pay MLS/Galaxy enough for him to move over there then yeah, he’ll probably fade at the end as he’s looking towards the world cup. That is unfortunate for him and their fans, I know, but that would be my prediction.
by danielfarrell on Dec 14, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Unfortunate for us too....
I believe Donovan has a chance to do something special in the EPL. He is our best and most high profile player (USA roster) and will be a part of the best league. If he were to suceed he could certainly help overturn the perception that the USA does not have the talent to compete. If he fades down the stretch, like you mention above, the USA will just have to wait until the next star has an opportunity to prove doubters wrong. Or maybe just hope Altidore/ Dempsey goes on a tear and turns the heads of international soccer.
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