Sir Landon Of Donovan

[SoCalMike]

LA Times: Galaxy star Landon Donovan is running on fumes

"Donovan has played 51 matches worldwide in the last 44 weeks, beginning with his debut for Everton of the English Premier League in January. And given that he has played many of those in the midfield, where he keeps up a frenetic pace, he has run an estimated 330 miles in those games — the equivalent of 13 marathons — much of it in 40- and 50-yard sprints.

Add in the long flights to England and South Africa and visits to 11 states, Puerto Rico and Canada with the Galaxy and it's no wonder Donovan's get-up-and-go and has got up and went.

"Unless you play in a World Cup, nobody will ever know how emotionally draining that tournament is," Donovan says. "Most guys can't recover from it. So it's a difficult thing to do. I want to rest. But now I really want to challenge myself to keep getting better."

"That would also provide a fitting end to a long, exhausting year. And Donovan does mean end. Although there has been talk of him returning to England to play for Everton, Donovan promised that will have to wait until long after the MLS season ends.

"I have told myself and everybody in my family that I'm taking at least two weeks where I don't want to see anyone, talk to anyone, do anything," he says. "If you ask me now I would say it would be hard to go back just because of the lack of rest.

"If for some reason I feel good after those few weeks and they want me to go somewhere, then I'll think about it."

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Sounds like Landy is pretty exhausted. I think if he does come over and join the squad it will be later than last seasons transfer. His tank is running pretty low and he's running on fumes...

 

[Kay20]

Okay, I'm overanalyzing, but as I read that article I wonder if it's a bit of a signal to OTHER NON-Everton teams. Not overt and planned, but still, i.e. don't bother coming to get me, I'm too tired (cough *I already have a deal done with Everton* cough).

Seriously, if you read this stuff about him being tired, wouldn't opposing teams pass whereas the team he wants to go to be the only one left standing?

It's poor negotiation tactics, but if his mind is made up (sure looks like it) and Everton's mind is made up (thanks LCAB!), then this could just be a way of saying "don't bother."

He only says two weeks rest, and then he *again* leaves the door open - which he has done in every single interview - those that aren't dedicated to the "if Everton will have me back..." comments.

He might come, but not play until February - that's two full months off. And that assumes a loan deal that runs through May.

Also, Ronaldinho is back in Galaxy news - the team looks like they are seriously still trying to make a deal.

The countdown continues.

 

[greygoose]

He was on the Dan Patrick radio show today and discussed a possible loan. Nothing really new. I can't post links yet so you'll have to google.

 

[Robert Jarvis]

Also, Ronaldinho is back in Galaxy news - the team looks like they are seriously still trying to make a deal.

The countdown continues.

Will that include free dental care do you think?

 

[Wratho]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/listenlive.player.html?file=http://ht.cdn.turner.com/si/danpatrick/audio/2010/11/12/DP-Landon_Donovan-11-12-10_Interview.mp3

Link to Donovan Interview on the Dan Patrick Show. LD says that it probably does him no good to go to England for 3 months then come back to the MLS and have national team duties and be tired again for the whole year. I take that as if he comes here on Loan in January he wants it to be perm. If he comes he stays, if he does not come, means that a perm deal was not going to be worked out.

 

[DionDublin]

Wratho,
is the question now 'can we afford him?'

Can Moyes be a bit cheeky and ask if theres any chance of the galaxy doing a swap deal for Billy?

 

[greygoose]

Link to Donovan Interview on the Dan Patrick Show. LD says that it probably does him no good to go to England for 3 months then come back to the MLS and have national team duties and be tired again for the whole year. I take that as if he comes here on Loan in January he wants it to be perm. If he comes he stays, if he does not come, means that a perm deal was not going to be worked out.

Thanks for posting the link. That is what I took from it, also. He said that he "has to be smart" about all of it. So I took that to mean exactly what you posted: that if he goes on loan to Everton then he must have some sort of guarentee for a permanent deal. If he doesn't, then he's playing for the Galaxy next year. Who knows... these are the days of our lives.

 

[Namdrater]

I know he's been playing a lot, but I was really looking forward to seeing him play vs South Africa on Wednesday. As it turns out, USA are sending a [Poor language removed] team of which I can name one player... Jonathan Spector. BLEH!

 

[Wratho]

Wratho,
is the question now 'can we afford him?'

Can Moyes be a bit cheeky and ask if theres any chance of the galaxy doing a swap deal for Billy?

Couple pages back it has been said that we have a little bit of cash in January. 7-8 mill pounds for LD? who knows... I guess that is the question.

LD will not cost more than 8.5 mill pounds. Kay has stated the Horse teeth talk so they ( Galaxy ) can lose LD. It really is shaping to end up like LCAB has stated will happen from you know who.

I think LD and his pace and style is worth 7 mill, but I am a biased yank. I am sure others will say he is not worth that.

 

[Robert Jarvis]

Likely Pienaar may leave so money there.

 

[EFC NY]

I love LD, but given his age, how much should we pay on a transfer knowing that we will be buying high and selling low (or not at all)?

Or do we buy LD, have a nice 3 1/2 year run with him (up to 2014 WC), than sell him back to MLS for a victory lap (where MLS can sell tickets/generate hype off of the "return" of LD: EPL and 2014 WC hero)?

In other words, does Everton management have an expectation of a return on the investment, or would they just care to pay for a transfer just to get a quality transfer?

 

[Kay20]

Will that include free dental care do you think?

Can you imagine the photos of him and Becks together? Oh, Ronaldinho honey, it's just not going to be good for you...

 

[Kay20]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/listenlive.player.html?file=http://ht.cdn.turner.com/si/danpatrick/audio/2010/11/12/DP-Landon_Donovan-11-12-10_Interview.mp3

Link to Donovan Interview on the Dan Patrick Show. LD says that it probably does him no good to go to England for 3 months then come back to the MLS and have national team duties and be tired again for the whole year. I take that as if he comes here on Loan in January he wants it to be perm. If he comes he stays, if he does not come, means that a perm deal was not going to be worked out.

I listened, and the other thing that we should note is when Dan asks LD if he wants to play in the EPL, LD's reaction is (with fervor): "Of course!" If the right team comes calling (aka Everton), he will be convinced. He just needs longer rest, and to everyone's point, a perm guarantee.

Namdrater - LD's not going to the South Africa friendly because he's playing in playoffs this weekend. You're not getting the crap team, you're getting the young team with some new standouts (Lichaj should be fun to watch as well as Tim Ream). Most other folks are in their seasons in MLS playoffs or Europe, so the US was left with the young-ins or veterans that could come.

Ironically - the person who is captaining the Bafana Bafana is Steven Pienaar! The Bafana Bafana should spank the youngins, but for most it's near their first cap, so they should be fun to watch.

 

[Matt Damon]

I love LD, but given his age, how much should we pay on a transfer knowing that we will be buying high and selling low (or not at all)?

Or do we buy LD, have a nice 3 1/2 year run with him (up to 2014 WC), than sell him back to MLS for a victory lap (where MLS can sell tickets/generate hype off of the "return" of LD: EPL and 2014 WC hero)?

In other words, does Everton management have an expectation of a return on the investment, or would they just care to pay for a transfer just to get a quality transfer?

Ambassadorial role for Everton FC in the US - forever and ever amen. - Once Everton has touched you and all that

*JUST ASK LCAB*

Landon's following is huge.

Not only that he's a good player with all the attributes.

If we can get him for £5million I'd go for it.

Plus I love him.

 

[Rook]

I love LD, but given his age, how much should we pay on a transfer knowing that we will be buying high and selling low (or not at all)?

Or do we buy LD, have a nice 3 1/2 year run with him (up to 2014 WC), than sell him back to MLS for a victory lap (where MLS can sell tickets/generate hype off of the "return" of LD: EPL and 2014 WC hero)?

In other words, does Everton management have an expectation of a return on the investment, or would they just care to pay for a transfer just to get a quality transfer?

Americans peak late in their 20s-Early 30s (mostly that's due to college/MLS. Guys like Dempsey at 27 are still learning the game). Landon also doesn't have too many miles on his legs either and has been pretty much injury free over his career. 5-7M and its a good buy.