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Can Donovan cut it in the EPL?

Published by Ian John on December 10, 2009

Everton boss David Moyes is apparently ‘close’ to landing Los Angeles Galaxy’s outspoken midfielder and United States talismanic attacking midfielder, Landon Donovan.

The American has become best known in the UK in the past year or so for having outspoken views about David Beckham’s time at L.A Galaxy and questioning the former England captain’s commitment to the cause. However Donovan has been a star player in the M.L.S for several years now after beginning his career in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen however he was loaned to San Jose Earthquakes early in his career and proved a hit in the MLS with the Earthquakes, netting 32 goals in 87 appearances over four years and earning the US Soccer Athlete of the Year award in 2003.

Donovan returned to Bayer Leverkusen in 2005, but struggled to gain a regular place in the team. Disillusioned at his lack of action, he returned to the MLS permanently in 2005, when Los Angeles Galaxy traded away their leading goalscorer to land first pick and take Donovan. For the Galaxy he has since netted an impressive 64 goals in 121 MLS games.

A short loan spell at the beginning of 2009 with Bayern Munich saw Donovan once again fail to make much headway in the Bundesliga and now it seems the United States star may well get another crack at Europe, by joining an injury hit Everton squad in the new year.

It will be a good deal for all parties. Donovan will maintain his fitness ahead of the Summers World Cup Finals, he’ll also gain a useful insight into English football ahead of the World Cup Group C game in Rustenberg later this year between England and the US. Everton acquire a talented footballer, versatile, creative and intelligent on the ball and who is a genuine goal threat when he is at his very best.

While there are no doubts about Donovans ability, there are some critics who wonder if the American has the temparement or physical attributes to thrive in European football. Both his spells in the Bundesliga have been largely disappointing, with Donovan unable to acquire a regular place in the side for either Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen. It seems he would be more likely to be used as a substitute by Everton, with the likes of Louis Saha and Yakubu likely to be given the nod up front, while it seems unlikely Donovan will beat out Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini as the chosen central midfield pairing.

Whether Donovan can have a big impact at Everton remains to be seen. The English Premier League does have a smattering of American players who have done well at this level and Donovan is certainly the equal of any of those who have gone before him, however he is joining a club that is having a tough season and for whom injuries and results have not gone well. With an intensely loyal, though demanding, fan base behind them, Everton will need all the ability and skill that Donovan possesses to make a major improvement in the second half of the 2009-2010 season.

Fortunately the American does possess the kind of skill they require to help them in that quest. His skill level will not be an issue, the physical side of the game in England for him, may well be.

Image COurtesy of ***Funkybrownchick*** on Flickr.com

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