Landon Donovan has seen plenty of success in England, but should he come home now? (Getty Images)
Part of me wants Landon Donovan to stay in England. The other part of me wants him back here in the US with the LA Galaxy. Thing is I cannot for the life of me decide which is the right one to go with.
Its a rough dilemma to be in for Donovan. He wants to stay on with Everton just a little bit longer but we know LA manager Bruce Arena has said no a few times to the press recently.
“It was kind of like in that movie ‘Dumb and Dumber’, where the man says that there is a chance, it’s just one in a million,” said Arena. The Galaxy coach, who has remained in frequent contact with the midfielder throughout his loan, did not appear concerned about the comments.
“There is always a chance, it may be one in a million, but there is always a chance.”
Yeah a chance, a very small one but one nonetheless.
Where to stand on this is a tough thing. Donovan has clearly done well this time around in Europe with Everton. It comes to show that if you place him in the right system he cannot be stopped. He’s done nothing but be pretty freakin’ amazing while playing for Everton these last couple months.
But should we as MLS fans be selfish and want him back so soon? I’m sure LA fans certainly do. Their team won’t be nearly as good without him.
But would keeping him with Everton until June really hurt LA? I kind of doubt it. I’m not saying he should make a permeant move to Europe here just yet but I do think a little more time wouldn’t hurt. I’m sure it would easily help the US Men’s National team this summer if Donovan was playing at a very high level in England (not to say he wouldn’t be at a high level here in MLS).
I think one big thing this loan has proved to the rest of the world is that players from MLS can play and that Donovan most certainly is a force to be reckoned with. I know I’m happy to see Donovan finally do well in Europe. And as much as I want to see him stay in MLS I wouldn’t be at all upset to see him make a full fledge run in the EPL with Everton.
How do you want to see this story play out with Donovan? Do you want him back here in MLS or would you rather see him at least get an extension on his loan with Everton?
10 Comments
I think it hurts the league and the relationship with players when a guy who has tried for almost a decade to find an international team he truly fit in with finally does and then we say too bad for you come back to LA. I get that he signed a new deal, one that should force him to occupy a DP spot, but the reality is that Landon (the face of soccer in the US) should be allowed to say at Everton until the end of the season. He should then come back to the US camp and after the world cup in the summer transfer window LA and MLS should simply allow the market to determine his value and where he ends up.
It is what is fair to him, and best for both the USMNT and MLS in the long run.
Speaking from an earthquakes fan point of view…I feel he should stay on with Everton and enjoy as much EPL action as humanly possible. Speaking from an MLS fan point of view…I don't want to see any more star players leave for over seas opportunities.
I would like to see him keep the high level of play up right up to the end of the EPL season. Two reasons 1) it will help the USA in the World Cup, 2) it will help the Revs season start off better!
I'm going to say he needs to stay. I think MLS is actually better served when him here. It's time for MLS to find new blood as far as who to market here in the states (if there is anyone that's worth that sort of effort) and it's time for Donovan to move on to better things.
Disclaimer – I am a Galaxy and MUFC fan.
one MLS player can play.
I think it hurts the league and the relationship with players when a guy who has tried for almost a decade to find an international team he truly fit in with finally does and then we say too bad for you come back to LA. I get that he signed a new deal, one that should force him to occupy a DP spot, but the reality is that Landon (the face of soccer in the US) should be allowed to say at Everton until the end of the season. He should then come back to the US camp and after the world cup in the summer transfer window LA and MLS should simply allow the market to determine his value and where he ends up.
It is what is fair to him, and best for both the USMNT and MLS in the long run.
Speaking from an earthquakes fan point of view…I feel he should stay on with Everton and enjoy as much EPL action as humanly possible. Speaking from an MLS fan point of view…I don't want to see any more star players leave for over seas opportunities.
I would like to see him keep the high level of play up right up to the end of the EPL season. Two reasons 1) it will help the USA in the World Cup, 2) it will help the Revs season start off better!
I'm going to say he needs to stay. I think MLS is actually better served when him here. It's time for MLS to find new blood as far as who to market here in the states (if there is anyone that's worth that sort of effort) and it's time for Donovan to move on to better things.
Disclaimer – I am a Galaxy and MUFC fan.
one MLS player can play.