Is Landon Donovan Really Ready for the EPL?

By: Rob | October 27th, 2008

So Landon Donovan dropped a pretty heavy hint today that he wants to follow David Beckham out of the LA Galaxy door and make his mark in Europe, Specifically, the Prem. He went to the Bundesliga a few years ago and it didn’t work out and he admitted he wasn’t ready then, and now he is. Which is lovely really. He’s a talented fella, I get him on Football Manager sometimes.

“Competitively, I have that itch and I want to do it, and I’ll make that very clear to people”

That sounds like a man who’s fired up and ready to play at the top level to me. Except for what he follows it up with.

“I’d love to play in The Premiership. I think it would be incredible. I’m not going to go and batle John Terry and expect to win but, if I can get on a team that plays good soccer, I think I can help.”

Now that’s not the attitude of a winner is it? Come on, Landon, we want you to come and tell us you’ll kick seven shades out of the EPL and you’ll find it a doddle getting a hat-trick against Chelsea. Alright, so don’t set yourself up for a fall, but at least having a little self belief wouldn’t go amiss.

Obviously there are alot of Offsiders out there who know a heck of alot more about him than my Football Manager knowledge, so I wanna throw this one open to you guys – Who do you think he could realistically sign for? And could he make a mark in the EPL? Nobody will get bonuses for suggesting Fulham.

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Category: EPL News, Transfers and Speculation

Tags: David Beckham, EPl, EPL News, LA Galaxy, Landon Donovan, Landycakes, Transfer, Transfers and Speculation

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Comments  

• sims |  October 27th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

  
  
  

  Its a big joke. Donovan to EPL?? Maybe for like stoke city as a carling cup/squad player

  Posted from United States

  

• ldyinred |  October 27th, 2008 at 3:57 pm

  
  
  

  bah! don’t go insulting stoke like that… hes ready for league one – MAYBE

  Posted from United States

  

• alessio |  October 27th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

  
  
  

  He could make a mid-table team and survive, but joining one of the Big 4 or teams close to it would be disastrous for his career. I wonder though, he’s a good player but he’s pretty slow, that doesn’t go over well in the EPL.

  Posted from United States

  

• Sam |  October 27th, 2008 at 5:27 pm

  
  
  

  If he thinks he can make it, he’s kidding himself. That said, I would like to see him fail, so go for it Landon.

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• daryl |  October 27th, 2008 at 5:39 pm

  
  
  

  Whether he’s actually good enough or not, he’s in peak condition and at the right age. If he doesn’t do it now, he’ll never know.

  One gthing to his advantage is that he’s versatile enough to play right wing, and pacy enough to be an asset to someone.

  Good moves would be: Portsmouth, Newcastle, West Ham, Sunderland, Boro, Blackburn.

  Posted from

  

• MoMONEY |  October 27th, 2008 at 6:10 pm

  
  
  

  The US media and MLS should be ashamed… They have put football in the USA back 50 years by claiming that it was a good league and that the US players are capable… Look at the facts people. The truth is coming out. The MLS is a joke and the US is just as bad as it ever was. Only difference is that now people think the product on TV is what football is about when it is nowhere near… Its a shame because I want football to succeed here… Dont think ill see it in my lifetime though… Donovan wouldnt last a week in the EPL unless it was with a pretty poor team…

  Posted from United States

  

• matt |  October 27th, 2008 at 8:54 pm

  
  
  

  its gonna be ugly if he does. he’ll probably end up at newcastle or some crap as their winter hero signing and then proceed to soil himself.

  Posted from United States

  

• dp |  October 27th, 2008 at 9:38 pm

  
  
  

  He’s ready to do it at a mid-to-low table side, perhaps a Newcastle or West Ham that could use additional creativity. He won’t know if he doesn’t try, although he’s unique among American players in that his style of play is much more conducive to playing in Spain, as his game isn’t as much about power and pace as it is intelligence and running into space.

  Posted from United States

  

• Al |  October 27th, 2008 at 9:39 pm

  
  
  

  I also agree on the claims that he can’t cut it. He can join a lower-level team but even then, he probably won’t play frequently. I don’t see how this guy is the US’s number 10. He’s definitely skilled, but it’ll take a while for him to adapt to the intensity of the EPL.

  Posted from United States

  

• jessebelt |  October 28th, 2008 at 11:23 am

  
  
  

  Clint Dempsey plays pretty regular and scored a goal this past weekend for Fulham.

  You honestly don’t think Donovan can at least match Dempsey’s EPL performances?

  Posted from United States

  

• derek |  October 28th, 2008 at 7:48 pm

  
  
  

  I signed him on a free in Football Manager ‘08 to Arsenal and he was the signing of the season….

  Posted from United States

  

• Dabes |  October 29th, 2008 at 10:13 am

  
  
  

  Donovan is more talented than USA players who have proceeded him in the EPL (e.g. Reyna, Beasley, Dempsey, Bocanegra, Spector). I think only McBride has had his level of ability (excluding the keepers).

  Donovan’s issue is that he’s not strong enough emotionally. Overcoming his own fears is the biggest issue he’s got. Saying he’s ready to fight is different from going and doing it.

  I hope Donovan gives it a try and makes a success of himself. I’m rooting for him.

  Posted from

  

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