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Sir Landon Of Donovan

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just to pile on the counter-attacking theme - I would almost say that Donovan is "world-class" in that one area. He is speedy and has a nimble touch when he is on the run. When he is facing a defender from a static start he has much more difficulty beating someone on the dribble.

I think he is playing pretty well in within some kind of "keep it simple" framework that Moyes probably wants from him. LD is only there for a short while, so there is no sense in Moyes altering the whole system to accommodate him, and there is no sense in trying to overload LD with numerous responsibilities. So....he stays on the wing, helps out a bit with pace and passing and defense, but really doesnt' do as much as he could either.

Ever since Everton played the MLS All-Stars I thought Donovan would be a good fit for you guys, though honestly the reason had much more to do with the fact that you have a smaller squad and frequently have to move players around from their favored positions. LD will fit well in a scheme like that - he can fit in anywhere in advance of the DM and contribute. I'm not saying he is the best you can get at any of those positions, but he can capably perform just about anywhere in the front five.

BTW, second post here. I also want to commend the fans here for having an elevated and intelligent message board. I've followed Everton a bit since Timmy landed there and have been a great admirer of Arteta, Cahill, and more recently, Fellaini.
 
1) Donovan will play with Everton or not at all. He's not going to Fulham and he's not going anywhere else. It'll be Everton or the L.A. Galaxy.

2) Everton WILL find a way to make the deal permanent as Moyes has always had SOME transfer funds available every season.

3) He just raises his game a notch or two against very good competitiion (see: Arsenal, Chelsea, Brazil).

4) Very good points about him being more effective in space.

5) Actually, my favorite Donovan move was in the first half where he received a pass and then immediately threaded the needle to Saha waiting in the box. Admittedly, it was a very tough pass to control as it was more of a cross but I couldn't believe he saw him to begin with.

Carry on.
 
I know it's unlikely, but really hope LD stays. He's a brilliant player in certain ways, as others have pointed out. MLS is just beneath him, and he's seems to fit in like a glove with the squad and style.

He seems to have been made to be a Toffee. I think I'll jump on my unicorn now and head on over to the Rainbow Pub.
 

Why the downer attitude? Clearly he is a good fit, he is enjoying the hell out of being here based on his Facebook posts. He loves it here, we are loving him being here. We just need to make it happen!
 
FutbolAmerica said:
I think what DM said may imply that their asking price is simply too high. If this is indeed the case it would be very unfortunate. He's too good to be playing in MLS.
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If I had to bet, I say Donovan goes back to the Galaxy when the loan ends in March and Everton buys him over the summer.

This is based on no knowledge, but it does fit all the different nuggets of information together.

I think Donovan negotiated a fixed price buyout but it's not in effect until after the world cup. So right now MLS has the leverage to negotiate an increased fee and Everton only get two extra months from him.
 

If there is any U.S. player than can make an impact, be called world class at times, its Landon. I have watched just about every game he has played in and there is no doubt he is our top field player. I have said in the past I think he can walk onto any team in the world and not be out of place. I am happy his Germany days are over, he doesn't belong there, probably never did.
 
Oh, by the way, for our American based supporters.

Check out the latest edition of Sports Illustrated (US Skier Lindsey Vonn on the cover). In the "Who's Hot & Who's Not" section, Donovan, pictured in his Everton shirts in listed first in the "Who's Hot" section.

Only the second time I've seen an Everton player in Sports Illustrated.

This was the first:

View attachment 1874
 
Neiler said:
Maybe lads wel see, not saying hes a bad player and like you mention hes strengthened the right. At the moment i dont see the player you describe despite his obvious pace, i cant think of a time where he has gone in behind through pace, or in behind by beating a man which i think we need our counters are painfully slow and lack penetration, he will make ground and look to support and build up, he has a decent delivery as well - like i say not a bad player - maybe more to come - but so far for me he offers an additional outlet rather then the dimension that i think we need.

Controversial but hey just being honest, so far - he has a month and half to change my mind, if he does ill be the first to admit it.
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There have been at least half a dozen times I could see in the limited TV angle that Everton team mates simply missed LD's runs. He goes very early and beats 3 or 4 players just that quick. Grumpy finds him in LA. The one that was most visible has already been mentioned. Saha gets the ball 35 yards from goal takes a touch and draws two defenders.

LD is standing inside the center circle when the ball goes to Saha. He waits to see if Saha will get it. By the time Saha has taken the touch and prepares to shoot, LD is literally standing the box with no defenders within ten yards of him. You have to expect the run because he covers so much ground you simply can't see it. What makes it most remarkable is that he can do that all game long and still score the goal in the 93 minute.

If you want to stretch the defense, LD is your man, both wide and on the counter. But it takes some time to adjust. Grumpy didn't even expect it at first.
 
Catamount said:
There have been at least half a dozen times I could see in the limited TV angle that Everton team mates simply missed LD's runs. He goes very early and beats 3 or 4 players just that quick. Grumpy finds him in LA. The one that was most visible has already been mentioned. Saha gets the ball 35 yards from goal takes a touch and draws two defenders.

LD is standing inside the center circle when the ball goes to Saha. He waits to see if Saha will get it. By the time Saha has taken the touch and prepares to shoot, LD is literally standing the box with no defenders within ten yards of him. You have to expect the run because he covers so much ground you simply can't see it. What makes it most remarkable is that he can do that all game long and still score the goal in the 93 minute.

If you want to stretch the defense, LD is your man, both wide and on the counter. But it takes some time to adjust. Grumpy didn't even expect it at first.
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I'd say this assessment is pretty much nailed on.
 

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