Landon's time - USA-ECUADOR

Some Nice Landon Donovan Graphics

Being from cali... Meeting kids with his name... And seeing him play... I will suggest to you that you've missed out on probably thee best US Soccer player ever.

I agree that Landon Donovan deserves his own thread. Also do not understand people undervaluing him and his contribution to USSoccer. That is separate from my belief that maybe he deservedly missed cut for 2014 World Cup squad, although I am probably wrong about that after watching shocking lack of technical ability on USMNT. 

Klinsmann obviously agrees with those who do not buy (all) the hype. But what Klinsmann says on the eve of Donovan's USMNT swan song is unfortunate. Maybe he wanted to send a message to other players. But do it in private. I understand his general position; challenge yourself. Klinsmann is probably still bitter that Donovan bagged him by not staying at Bayern. Let it go. But this? Let the dude have his night.

Klinsmann on Donovan before final USMNT appearance

in my opinion, i know there were other substitutions that had an impact, but the game went south when LD came off. we never really possessed the ball again and their was little combination play.

I guess we will never know if he would have helped the team in Brazil. I don't think anyone thought the was going there as a starter, but I believe his presence there could have added to the team. I'm not sure some of the younger players ever saw a minute of time on the field, so I don't know how their presence was a huge contribution either. Would they not have made it out of group play if Landon had been there? No one knows that. Without Jozy I think he could have been used at some point in a few of those games. I think we can all agree that the US wouldn't have advanced out of group play in 2010 without him. 

i am one who disagrees with you. If Landon isn't to be considered a great player then very few I the US have reached that level. Maybe he's not in the category of the greatest players in the world, but he is one of the best ever from the US.  It's hard to know what these younger players will do and where they will be in four years. One thing we do know about Landon is that he has done a whole lot for US soccer. You don't lead the country in goals and assists without having something.  

I didn't say they shouldn't have taken Green or Yedlin. 

Just think if Landon had played with heart he could have scored 100 goals and gotten 100 assists. Actually, I don't know that I buy that he played with no heart. I've seen it plenty of times over the years. 

Landon took a sabbatical. But, it's not as if he came back right before the roster was named. He came back the year before and helped the team in the WC Qualifiers. He was named MVP of the Concacaf last October. 

I think he said "most" and I think he's correct. It would have better served the US team with an attacking mid like Landon. Also, about him "not being fit," it's really a farce. Landon runs everyday, and just like Ronaldinho would have helped Brazil, experience goes a long way. It's all water under the bridge... and I for one like "some" of Klinsmen picks, but do feel he is bias against american latin players and african american players. Also, for you to say "he wasn't that great," baffles me. How do you lead a great country like the US in all time goals and assist, and not be that great? F

unny, Germany put their "old man in" to get the record, but we are really quick to judge a player who didn't like the Coach of the US team along with his picks. Hell, Bradley had his actual son on the team. 

 Bunburry and Agudelo could have done what those "hand picked German kids" did... and then some, If given the chance. Hence, my problem with the US Structure...The best and deserving don't always make it to the top. Hopefully, things are changing. But, if Klinsmen has "some" success with the up and coming talent... It will stay the same for a long time. So, sorry Actual Americans... unless you can afford to put your kids in at Bayern at the tender age of 12... and their mother isn't German.... the chances you making it to the top is extra slim. 

OK. I am sorry, but this is just mind numbingly silly. You are talking about the same Julian Green that fell down, on his own, trying (and I am using this term incredibly liberally) to get back on defense (a foreign concept to this dude if you have ever watched him try to play soccer at an elite level), AND DISLOCATED HIS OWN SHOULDER! His goal was the result of a great ball from Michael Bradley, and Julian Green almost WIFFED! That was not a clever trick...it was a near miss. The only reason people make a big deal out of this is because the USMNT were desperate for a silver lining, not because that was some flash of technical brilliance. I will bet you a bag of really really good popcorn that Julian Green will never approach (i mean will get to less than 1/4 of) Landon Donovan's lifetime achievements in soccer. 

Landon Donovan is the best male player, hands down, that the US has ever produced. Landon Donovan was already accomplished when he was Julian Green's age. And Julian Green has had the benefit of growing up in Germany. LD had to make his way here, and then try and go there. Let's see what would have happened to Julian Green, or Jurgen Klinsmann, if that would have been the path. Not much I am guessing.

I am not disagreeing that LD probably did not prepare himself in the way he should have for team camp before the WC. But we need to separate that from whether LD is the best male player to ever pull on a USMNT jersey. The USMNT have played 4 halves of football in the last week. They played exactly one half that looked in any way interesting, and that was when LD was on the field. He was the only one capable of creating anything. I could say more, but it is really a no brainer on the LD front. 

If you are in any way interested in a possibly great young player that we better hope finds his way to the USMNT, look up Gidion Zelalem. I don't think it is Julian Green.

But like I said, I am feeling cranky this morning.