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Sir Landon Of Donovan

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Hellerad said:
Irrelevant argument. It was a first touch off of a deflection, not a cross. And even if it was purely unintentional, the ball also set up nicely for a volley. Credit him for keeping a cool head and having the vision to lay it off instead of blasting a volley through three defenders, with his weak(er) foot, at an angle the keeper had covered.
y.
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This.

As an american and avid football fan, I've watched Donovan for 10 years now. The Donovan of 4-5 years ago would have panicked on that first touch yesterday and either tried to volley it wildly himself, or chest it to get it to the ground quicker. Both poor choices.

Donovan's in a good place in his career. He doesn't have that selfish chip on his shoulder like he used to, trying to prove everyone wrong, or feeling the burden of being labeled US Soccer's savior. Now he's more mature, and IMO the perfect compliment piece to just about any team, especially in the EPL where he's not burdened with the expectations of being the team leader in goals.

As far as him staying long term. I'd love to see him finish his career in the EPL, but the selfish American side of me knows that he means much more to our league and our country if he plays stateside. Donovan IS the greatest and most popular footballer in US history. He knows that and has taken it upon himself to be the face of American soccer, which should be commended.
 

I love him but it's too bad he'll never leave the USA full time. Just doesn't have the cojones for it, I'm afraid.

But that's better for the growth of the MLS I guess. So whatevz
 
t-paine said:
This.

As an american and avid football fan, I've watched Donovan for 10 years now. The Donovan of 4-5 years ago would have panicked on that first touch yesterday and either tried to volley it wildly himself, or chest it to get it to the ground quicker. Both poor choices.

Donovan's in a good place in his career. He doesn't have that selfish chip on his shoulder like he used to, trying to prove everyone wrong, or feeling the burden of being labeled US Soccer's savior. Now he's more mature, and IMO the perfect compliment piece to just about any team, especially in the EPL where he's not burdened with the expectations of being the team leader in goals.

As far as him staying long term. I'd love to see him finish his career in the EPL, but the selfish American side of me knows that he means much more to our league and our country if he plays stateside. Donovan IS the greatest and most popular footballer in US history. He knows that and has taken it upon himself to be the face of American soccer, which should be commended.
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He was way too soft 5-6 years ago and I think he didn't even like football hence the warrented Premadonovan comments. I really think the Beckham signing more than anything that really lit a fire under him. In the 1st couple years of his contract Beckham didn't really care at all and didn't even try the 1st few years when he was at the Galaxy. I think Landon saw a little bit of himself in Beckham's act; said to himself that he doesn't want to be remembered that way and rededicated himself.

There is still not that many miles on him and I think he could play in the prem (if he chooses) until he's 34-35. I think he likes it at Everton but will resign with the Galaxy. What I would like to see is having the option in his MLS contract that would grant the rights to play from Jan-May in the prem.

The game I knew he was ready was the 3-1 loss to Italy in the confed cup. Italy targeted him time and time again (including pile driving his head into the ground; should have been a pen and would have changed that whole game) and he kept on getting right back up and getting on with it.
 
First touch wasn't great but not horrible, the ball stayed within his reach. Seeing that his first touch wasn't great, I liked how he set his body shape to sell the defender on the shot, which would give Gibson enough time to get his shot off.
 
EFC NY said:
Shifting gears a little, now that the window has closed, it is too late for us to get him on a transfer, or can we still buy him from MLS because he is still serving out his loan?
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We can sign him permanently whilst he is on loan even if the window is closed. Southampton did it with a guy in December. We won't though so it doesn't really matter :(
 

Hes been boss, far better this time then first for me, far more influential, looks to have matured as a player, prob at his peak now.

Surprised to see Davey give him a bit of stick.
 
Are we really having pages of discussion about his first touch ON A GOAL HE SET UP? Discuss whether or not drenthe had more to do with it than Donovan, fine, that's a worthy discussion, but why on earth are we being so critical of Donovan's work that is bringing us success?

We really are a glass half empty bunch aren't we. We bitch about not being able to score, finally start knocking them in and we are critical of the way Landon teed it up perfectly for Gibbo?! Come on people. Let's just be happy.

For the first time in a long time, it feels like the tide is turning here. We just BOUGHT two seemingly legit players (without having to sell Rodwell OR Barkley!), Straq looks like he's getting it, Duffy looks like he's getting it, Donovan is serving the club well, CAHILL FINALLY SCORED, Saha's form is no longer our problem, Pienaar's back, we just f'ing beat the best team in the league, the home crowd was lively and engaged, we're back in the top half of the table and looking good for a cup run. Things are finally turning our way, let's put all the negativity to the side.
 
Neiler

I have already stated that I thought he was better this time around as well...

That's not why I'm writing this...looks like you need to update your sig...Weir *shudder*...thank God that didn't happen.
 
chriswho said:
Are we really having pages of discussion about his first touch ON A GOAL HE SET UP? Discuss whether or not drenthe had more to do with it than Donovan, fine, that's a worthy discussion, but why on earth are we being so critical of Donovan's work that is bringing us success?

We really are a glass half empty bunch aren't we. We bitch about not being able to score, finally start knocking them in and we are critical of the way Landon teed it up perfectly for Gibbo?! Come on people. Let's just be happy.

For the first time in a long time, it feels like the tide is turning here. We just BOUGHT two seemingly legit players (without having to sell Rodwell OR Barkley!), Straq looks like he's getting it, Duffy looks like he's getting it, Donovan is serving the club well, CAHILL FINALLY SCORED, Saha's form is no longer our problem, Pienaar's back, we just f'ing beat the best team in the league, the home crowd was lively and engaged, we're back in the top half of the table and looking good for a cup run. Things are finally turning our way, let's put all the negativity to the side.
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When I initially brought up the poor first touch, I wasn't trying to knock him...that wasn't the easiest ball to control. Rather I was trying to say how he coolly composed himself and was able to lay it off perfectly for Gibbo. 5 years ago, he would have panicked. That's all I was trying to say.
 

ffs, at the end of the day he's controlled a ball and passed it 5 yards for gibbo to shoot and score.. any player from the age of 16 up can be expected to control a ball and pass it 5 yards.... if they can't do that simple thing they shouldnt be playing top level football.. lets please try and keep some perspective for crying out loud.
 
angleseyblue said:
ffs, at the end of the day he's controlled a ball and passed it 5 yards for gibbo to shoot and score.. any player from the age of 16 up can be expected to control a ball and pass it 5 yards.... if they can't do that simple thing they shouldnt be playing top level football.. lets please try and keep some perspective for crying out loud.
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Did we score?
But did we score though?
Sorry, I don't remember... did we score just then?
 

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