Landon Donovan

[Neiler]

We must have bumped up our scouting on that side of the world - with the two loast summer and Donavon, with Howard thats 4 Usaers!

*Joe Max for assistant manager!

 

[Maverick]

one thing Landon has going for him is that he's absolutely tremendous in the open field

I realize most players have cool highlight reels, but here's him over the summer against Brazil, and then him a few years back against Mexico

YouTube - Landon Donovan Fantastic Goal 2-0 - USA vs Brazil - Confederations Cup Final 2009

YouTube - Highlights from the USA's 2-0 Win vs. Mexico on Feb. 7, 2007 (Fast forward to about 5:45 and see Landon embarrass El Tri)

 

[ChicagoToffee]

Might be a reason why hes considered a bit of a flop in Europe, certainly the American players who have tended to do well over here have been either keepers or big robust players of the Dempsey, McBride ilk. The skillfull ones like Cobi Jones or Altidore havnt really hit the heights their reputations suggested, i think he defo has talent just that i beleive he has difficulty with his attitude and would be surprised if he took to the Prem in any way easily.

Like i say ill certainly give him a chance - i think his versatility and deleivery is the hook for Moyes so maybe your right and he will be on the wing if indeed we ever do have a midfeilder on the wing in the conventional sense. Would certainly be intresting and offer us something different to see him, Pienaar or Billy centrally!

Personally, I think Altidore is completely bereft of skill. He's big and powerful but he cannot control a ball (they bounce off him like he's made of concrete). His goals mostly come on him forcing his way to the goal. Charlie Davies is certainly more skilled and a better striker.

 

[ChicagoToffee]

Another I'd like to see come on loan is Onyewu - helped Liege get to the CL then moved to Milan but I'm not sure how much playing time he's getting for the Rossoneri. He's a monster physically and does a great job of holding his space. Everton could certainly use a CB.

 

[Goat]

He made his competitive debut on September 30, again relieving Nesta in a Champions League loss to Zürich at San Siro.[10]. In October, 2009, shortly after the season had begun, Onyewu suffered a torn tendon in his left knee, ruling him out for an estimated 6 months.

 

[Maverick]

yea, he's done for awhile

iffy for WC too

 

[ToffeeHeel]

Yeah Guchi wrecked his knee vs. Costa Rica.

The knock on Donovan's attitude is there, but most people think he took great strides over the summer (Confed Cup, Beckham stuff) in maturing and become a better leader, on the club and international level.

The last I saw of him was in the MLS Championship. I didn't catch the whole game, but he missed his chance in the penalties which the Galaxy lost.

 

[Rook]

Altidore lacks footie skills. However I've seen him bully defenders in the prem, its just that Brown is his manager so he doesn't get to play. Big strikers (Carew, Drogba etc) don't really peak until their late 20s. He's better suited for the prem than Spain in fact the American style of football is more suited for the prem than any other league.

Threre are a couple decent young players in MLS who could probably do well in Europe. Would love to see Holden (sorry Tx) come over here he's getting better and better every year.

 

[Dublintoff]

So him, Cahill and Fellaini all trying to play in the same position then?

NO. I think in recent games we have seen fellaini settle into his real position, the one he was bought for which, is one of two central midfielders behind the central attacking midfielder, i.e, cahill or hopefully donovan

 

[BlueTak]

Just seen the article on the SS website. I think he would be a good addition to the squad.

 

[Rook]

With the exception of the 2006 WC where in came cocky and had his behind handed to him. Donovan, even though he plays in a mediocre at best league, has always had his best games against the best international competition.

 

[Maverick]

actually, coming into the Confed Cups, it's pretty much been: "Donovan can only play well against CONCACAF teams, specifically Mexico"

then Donovan showed up in a huuuuuuge way against Italy, Egypt, Brazil and Spain

 

[monty]

He's impressed when I've seen him, he's offensively minded and he would be loan therefore no transfer fee. Plus he's got a point to prove.

Basically it's win-win.

Not forgetting he plays for my favourite international team. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Yeah.

Here we go he's turning into Ric 'no' Flair now

 

[TX Bill]

It always makes me laugh when people go crazy when we are linked with people from their country, The skippys did it with Lucas Neil and now the Yanks with Donovan. Nothing wrong with National Pride, but it does make me chuckle.

And it always makes me laugh when people are flat out dismissed at a drop of a hat or based on what they've heard.

I'm not gonna oversell Donovan. Don't have to. He's easily one of the best players this country has produced in the last 20 years.

His time at Leverkusen sucked. He wasn't ready (something he quickly admits to) and didn't settle in. The Bayern Munich training was all it was. Training.

But I will tell you right now and this is coming from someone who has watched Donovan numerous times in person much less on TV. The guy can help us if he's played in the right position. He's done his best work for the USMNT up front as a supporting striker just off the big man...kinda like Cahill.

Someone asked, "Could he lead the line?" I think if he was paired up with Saha, Yak, or Jo, he'd do well. He wouldn't be overawed by the occasion that's for sure.

Now think about this for a minute. Everton can always use all the exposure it can get. I will tell you that if Donovan signs with us, even on loan for three months, his three months with us will do more for our name recognition in the USA than McBride ever did. There will be A LOT of interested parties looking out for Everton on the TV and Everton results on the internet.

This could be really good on several different fronts if it happens.

Here's a good article on the situation:

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1679...orner-evertons-moyes-sees-new-world-potential

 

[Upper Sturry Sherbets]

I'll OK donovan as a potential signing, he is a proven scorer at international level, and I would like to see him at Goodison, although there may be some bias in my thinking, but if Moyes can get him from Los Angeles then I would welcome it, I hope he does well next year, but anything can happen, former Toffee Max Moore is now retired from the international scene, 25 goals in 100 appearances is far from a bad return and made himself something of a fan favorite back home.