The MLS could be on the verge of losing another one of it's brightest stars to Europe.
LA Galaxy and US national team midfielder/striker Landon Donovan has been contemplating a move to the English Premier League over the past couple of weeks, according to goal.com.
"I've had in my mind for a while now that if I have an opportunity, a real opportunity, a good opportunity, to go somewhere, that I would examine it," he told the Los Angeles Times.
Who can blame the guy. His team is currently in fourth position in the Western Conference and just went through a massive shakeup as their head coach quit and their GM was fired.
At 27 years of age, it makes sense that Donovan would be interested in expanding his horizons and seek better competition.
"The older I get and the more I play, the more I'm yearning for that highest level I can play at," Donovan told the English press. "I think the Premiership would be the best place [to] play."
But how would Donovan fair in the EPL? In his two previous stints in Europe—both with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen—he did not do well at all.
The English game, though, is much different from that played in Germany. The Bundesliga is known for their slow, methodical, pounding style that does not fit Donovan's aggressive, slicing game.
If he does indeed move to England, Donovan will have to adjust to the extremely physical style of play, but the up-and-down attacking game would fit right in to Donovan's skill set.
While it would be a sad day to see Donovan leave MLS, I think it would be a great move for one of the league's greatest players and a huge boost for the US National team that is lead by Donovan.
11 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Thomas 11 months ago
he should stay. i used to think he should go, but the mls is losing to many good stars.
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Dakota Rubin 11 months ago
I have to disagree. If he leaves it will do great things for his career. He was way too young when he first played in Europe and now is so much more mature and can use that maturity to really excel and then bring that experience to the national team.
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Thomas 11 months ago
then who will take his place in MLS? he would do well in Europe, that's for sure but i dont think he'll go.
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Nicole Torres 11 months ago
I've got to correct the small mistake (made by the goal.com guy) that keeps getting perpetuated: Landon Donovan is 26 years old, not 27.
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Dakota Rubin 11 months ago
Fantastic call. Thanks so much.
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Dakota Rubin 11 months ago
Goal.com is not the most reliable source for factual information.
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Joe G 10 months ago
Keep in mind that his previous stints in Europe were considered failures because coaches for some reason did not like to play him. When he actually saw the pitch, he did quite well. I hope he goes.
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Neil Melms 10 months ago
I hope he goes because he is more experienced now. He will not develop anymore playing for the Galaxy. Being one of the best know players in the MLS isn't really that great considering the competition. However if he goes to Europe and challenge himself, that can only be good for him and the US National Team. Lets be realistic here, if the US wants to be considered a major factor in world football, then they need to continue sending these guys to major competitions. Then maybe they can live up to their, I believe 4th ranked placement prior to World Cup 06. I got that rank from someone else but if that is true, I am still scratching my head on that one.
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D Wreck Critic 10 months ago
The MLS can handle losing donovan--especially as it continues to invest in bigger and bigger int'l names. I wish, however, that he wouldn't wait until January to do so--but I guess he is. Some clubs have apparently "inquired" but got a "wait until January" nod. Looks like LD will finish this MLS season out. All I can say is: don't go to Fulham. Everton would be a good choice. Moyes knows how to utilize American players (he brought in McBride years ago, and there's Howard too).
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Eric Gomez 10 months ago
Donovan has shown that he can't handle tough, physical leagues with his play. England is Germany with more talented players. He won't hang with them, no doubt about it.
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Ricky O'Neal 10 months ago
He might leave the US but he won't be coming to the EPL that's for sure. I don't think he has what it takes to cut it in the Premiership.
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