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This week's newsletter includes notes from the latest round of World Cup Qualifying. Everybody had their eyes glued to their televisions this week as exciting international matches in CONCACAF and the rest of the world took center stage in the footballing universe.
Before we get to the World Cup Qualifying news, there is an important but not unexpected item out of Los Angeles. Star US midfielder Landon Donovan will be loaned to Bundesliga club
Bayern Munich, starting on January 1st. The loan deal will run at least until mid-march, and possibly until the end of the Bundesliga season.Bayern coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been very impressed with Donovan, who has been training with the club for the last week and a half, "The goal will be to see if we can get him long term, at least until the end of the season," Klinsmann told Bayern Munich's website.
Donovan, who had a failed stint with Bayer Leverkusen a few years back, feels like he has a better chance to succeed in the Bundesliga this time around.
"As a person and a player, I am completely different now to how I was then, I have matured. I am ready. I believe I can keep up with all the other players, even if I am not the best player here...I recognise Leverkusen wasn't the problem, I was," he said to ESPNsoccernet.com "I just wasn't ready for it."
If Donovan truly feels like he has pushed himself to the next level mentally, then he can succeed. He has always had the physical tools necessary to perform at a high level in Europe but seemed to be plagued by issues of mental toughness earlier in his career. It's no surprise that Donovan is going somewhere during the January transfer period, and we at Total 90 are excited to see him getting another chance in Europe, this time with a major club.
Using a lineup mostly comprised of youngsters and players based in MLS, Bob Bradley and the US Men's National Team ended Guatemala's slim qualifying hopes with a 2-0 shutout. How good has the US been in this early round of World Cup Qualifying? Six shutouts in eight games and only three goals allowed compared to 24 goals scored. That's eight goals scored for every one allowed.
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about 1 month ago
Darren Huckerby? That's a blast from the past, I never knew he played in the MLS. How did he do this season?
It's a good move for Donovan in some ways, I hope he gets some playing time, he's certainly good enough to do well in the Bundesliga.
Thanks for the US update, as always, Joe
from about 1 month ago
Yup, San Jose nabbed the Sheriff of Nottingham in July. He made 14 appearances and had six goals and four assists. Pretty solid numbers. Thanks for reading, William!
about 1 month ago
It's a similar loan deal to Beckham going to AC Milan. The difference is that if LD impresses during this 3 month period then BM might buy him.
There has been talk of MLS looking for over $10 million for LD. That looks like it is off the table with the loan deal.
from about 1 month ago
It sounded like Klinsmann was hoping to hold on to Donovan until at least the end of the Bundesliga season, so he could be gone on loan for longer than Beckham. If he doesn't pan out, he could be right back in LA though, with nothing to show for it except a damaged psyche.
$10 million? I think they could get it from some clubs. He's older than Jozy Altidore, but he's also far more seasoned and still has a number of good years left in him. I'm interested to see how this pans out.
about 1 month ago
hopefully donovan will do well for bayern, anyway good article joe. also good poll.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Yoosof. Donovan is excited for another chance in Germany, and it sounds like he's ready to take advantage.
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