Well we knew he would be coming home the whole time didn't we? To say Donovan has done well during his time at Everton is an understatement. His very first game he capped off with an assist against Manchester City. Flash forward three weeks and he is starting AND winning against Chelsea and United. Not bad for an American eh?
I have always considered Landon Donovan to be the best American player of his generation. Some would argue of all time and they have some valid arguments they could make. No one has ever doubted Landon's ability more so than Landon himself. Landon has been the face of the US National team for quite some time now. He has had stints in Europe before but they have not been that successful. Some say he lacks the drive to work hard in a foreign league when he can be a rockstar and starter here in America. Others say he wasn't treated fairly during his time in Germany and that is why his spells were unsuccessful. Well now it appears that he has shut everyone up with his displays for Everton. He has done well on both sides of the ball by picking the right passes going forward but also tracking back when necessary. Everyone so far has been pleased with his play and his progress as a player.
So why go back to the MLS is the big question? We saw with David Beckham what can happen when you get a taste of euphoria that comes along with playing well for a top European club. Beckham was ready to pack his bags and move to Milan if he could have found a way out his MLS contract. Instead, he professed his desire to stay in L.A. and just do another loan stint with A.C. Milan this season. Donovan probably took some notes on Beckham's situation and was looking to make sure that situation didn't happen to him. When it was first announced that Donovan was going to Everton I wasn't quite sure why he was doing a loan spell. At the time Everton needed him more than he needed them. He is on the plane to South Africa no matter what happens between now and then. He would have plenty of time to get in shape with the MLS season starting (hopefully) in April. So why do the loan spell? I think part of it had to do with proving to himself that he could perform at that level. I also think the loan provided a safety net. If everything didn't turn out as it has he could come home just as he planned. Instead everything has gone great and he finds himself wanting to stay. Could he have negotiated a deal with the MLS to stay on a bit longer? Of course. But at that time late last year he didn't quite believe in himself at this high of a playing level. I hope he does stay in England for a few more weeks. However, if he doesn't he only has his self doubt to blame.
I have always considered Landon Donovan to be the best American player of his generation. Some would argue of all time and they have some valid arguments they could make. No one has ever doubted Landon's ability more so than Landon himself. Landon has been the face of the US National team for quite some time now. He has had stints in Europe before but they have not been that successful. Some say he lacks the drive to work hard in a foreign league when he can be a rockstar and starter here in America. Others say he wasn't treated fairly during his time in Germany and that is why his spells were unsuccessful. Well now it appears that he has shut everyone up with his displays for Everton. He has done well on both sides of the ball by picking the right passes going forward but also tracking back when necessary. Everyone so far has been pleased with his play and his progress as a player.
So why go back to the MLS is the big question? We saw with David Beckham what can happen when you get a taste of euphoria that comes along with playing well for a top European club. Beckham was ready to pack his bags and move to Milan if he could have found a way out his MLS contract. Instead, he professed his desire to stay in L.A. and just do another loan stint with A.C. Milan this season. Donovan probably took some notes on Beckham's situation and was looking to make sure that situation didn't happen to him. When it was first announced that Donovan was going to Everton I wasn't quite sure why he was doing a loan spell. At the time Everton needed him more than he needed them. He is on the plane to South Africa no matter what happens between now and then. He would have plenty of time to get in shape with the MLS season starting (hopefully) in April. So why do the loan spell? I think part of it had to do with proving to himself that he could perform at that level. I also think the loan provided a safety net. If everything didn't turn out as it has he could come home just as he planned. Instead everything has gone great and he finds himself wanting to stay. Could he have negotiated a deal with the MLS to stay on a bit longer? Of course. But at that time late last year he didn't quite believe in himself at this high of a playing level. I hope he does stay in England for a few more weeks. However, if he doesn't he only has his self doubt to blame.
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