Landon Donovan has now played two matches for Everton in the English Premier League. The talented American has been known overseas as much for his divorce from his actress ex-wife and his failure to make a name for himself outside of Major League Soccer, as he has for being the leading goal scorer in US National Team history.
He played well in his first match, an impressive 2-2 draw away at Arsenal, but only managed 75 minutes on the pitch -- reportedly due to cramping. The fact that he was able to hold his own on the road at a storied, albeit distasteful (solely my opinion -- but probably fact), London stadium speaks to his growth as a professional.
Landon's "home" debut came on Saturday against Manchester City. Not a bad baptism to the league, playing one of the storied Top 4 in game one and then the richest club on the planet in game two. Against Manchester City, Donovan again started on the right wing and didn't take long to announce his presence to the home supporters. He worked increasingly well with the international strikeforce of Louis Saha (France), Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (Russia) and Tim Cahill (Australia). He played well on the ground, nearly scoring during the opening 20 minutes, and was not afriad to let loose with shots from distance. However, what I found most compelling was his service from the right wing and on corners -- from both sides. He's stepped into the Toffee line-up and has immediately begun taking corners, one wonders if set pieces are far behind. His crosses were on mark and well-paced. It's curious where that particular skill was developed, as he is so often placed as a withdrawn striker, or central midfielder, on American soil.
His performance was not lost on the British television crew who were not shy in displaying both their surprise at his performance, as well as their respect for the quality of play that the American was finally displaying in a foreign league.
Let's hope that Landon's play continues to improve while on loan to Everton and that it translates to a positive run during this summer's venture in South Africa.
Good for Landon. Unfortunately for the USMNT, Clint Dempsey suffered a knee injury in Fulham's loss to Blackburn. Hopefully he won't need surgery or be out long.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about this year and injuries?
News out today says Dempsey will be back on the pitch before the end of Fulham's season. Good news.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was actually in the middle of a new posting on Dempsey when work beckoned. By the time I got back to it, you faithful commenters were on the topic.
ReplyDeleteAnd evidently Bocanegra worked his way back in the lineup at Rennes. Edu and Beasley continue to fare well at Rangers. But Holden's tryout at Bolton did not result in a signing - Holden picked up an injury instead.
ReplyDelete