Landon Donovan to Everton: Will “Landycakes” Finally Get the Respect He Deserves?

Back in August, I asked everyone Which European Soccer Team Would Suit Landon Donovan Best? Everton was not among the more popular suggestions, but it did get a mention.

Now it seems that employment at Goodison Park is about to become a reality for Donovan, with a loan move to Everton in January 2010 about to be signed, sealed and transatlantically delivered.

I’m going to be bold and make a prediction here. If this goes through, then Landon Donovan will finally shake the European transfer monkey off his back, and all those who’ve mocked him in recent years will be forced to eat some humble pie.

For those unaware of Donovan’s history, the 27 year old USA winger/attacking-mid/forward/all-time top-scorer/current MLS MVP already has three failed attempts at European club football under his belt. Twice with Bayer Leverkusen and once last January with Bayern Munich. Because of this (and for a few less tangible reasons, including this ill-advised photo) Donovan is perceived as somewhat soft, and hasn’t enjoyed the respect he deserves in the US. The “Landycakes” nickname and all that.

It’s somewhat understandable for fans unfamiliar with the US national team and MLS to overlook Donovan’s talent. But I still can’t understand why so many American fans continue to underestimate him. He’s fast. He’s smart. He’s skilled. He both scores and creates. He can play in multiple attacking positions. I’m not saying he’s Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo or Leo Messi. But in my opinion he’s the USA’s most talented outfield player by some distance. He also has a great work ethic.

Maybe the problem is that some US fans look to European leagues and players as a yardstick to measure their own teams by, and so won’t take Donovan seriously until he’s had some success there. If so, then the loan move to Everton could be exactly what’s needed.

Everton are (or at least were until this season) a solid Premier League team. It’s a big enough platform to Donovan to impress, but also small enough that he’s won’t be battling against layer upon layer of expensive talent for a place in the first team. Assuming this loan move goes through, I fully expect Landon Donovan to make the most of it, make an impact, and finally get the respect he deserves.

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Category: English Premier League