Donovan coming back to the US?

[MrBug708]

The Galaxy is poised to trade its leading player, Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz, to FC Dallas so that it can acquire U.S. national team standout Landon Donovan from Bayer Leverkusen of the German Bundesliga.

Official announcement of the stunning double play could come as early as today but is more likely after this weekend's round of World Cup qualifying games.

Ruiz, who knows of the impending trade, is in Guatemala City for Saturday's qualifying match against Trinidad and Tobago. Donovan leaves Colorado Springs, Colo., with the rest of the U.S. team today for Sunday's qualifier against Mexico in Mexico City.

Doug Hamilton, the Galaxy's president and general manager, would not confirm Thursday that Donovan would be coming to Los Angeles, but sources told The Times that the 23-year-old midfielder could be in a Galaxy uniform in time for the team's April 2 Major League Soccer season opener at Columbus.

"As a general policy, we don't comment on speculation or rumors," Hamilton said of a Kicker magazine article published in Germany on Thursday that reported Donovan was returning to MLS.

"I have not seen the Kicker article, but I have been made aware of it," Hamilton continued. "I don't think it quotes anybody from Germany or the player or the player's representatives, so for me those are all just rumors."

Galaxy Coach Steve Sampson was not available to comment Thursday, a team spokesman said.

Donovan, the U.S. player of the year for the last three years and possibly the sport's most accomplished American, spent the last four seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, and won MLS championships with San Jose in 2001 and 2003.

He announced in November that he would return to Europe for a second stint with Bayer Leverkusen, which holds his contract.

Since rejoining the Bundesliga club in January, however, Donovan has played only sporadically, most often off the bench, and experienced what Kicker described as "an athletic Waterloo" with what the magazine termed "his totally ineffective performance in the Champions League against Liverpool."

The article said the 3-1 home loss in that March 9 game had devastated Donovan. "Within two weeks, he lost all inspiration," Kicker said. "He will continue his career in the USA."

If so, it will be in Los Angeles.

"If you're asking me if a player of his quality would be available in our league, yeah, we'd probably try to make a run at him," Hamilton acknowledged. "Pending cap issues and other things, sure."

Ruiz was the Galaxy's leading goal scorer in each of his three seasons with the club, scoring 61 goals in 83 regular-season and playoff matches. It was his goal that gave the Galaxy a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution in MLS Cup 2002, earning Los Angeles its only MLS title to date.

Ruiz was the league's most valuable player in 2002, and the Guatemalan striker, nicknamed "El Pescadito" or "the Little Fish," was also MLS' top goal scorer in 2002, and its co-leading scorer in 2003.

At FC Dallas, Ruiz will be paired with Eddie Johnson, the league's co-leading scorer in 2004, giving the Galaxy's Western Conference rival one of the most potent offenses in MLS in 2005.

Dallas added another former Galaxy player Thursday when it signed defender Greg Vanney, who had been playing for Bastia in the French league for the last three years.

To acquire Donovan and still stay under the salary cap, the Galaxy was forced to part with Ruiz, as well as several other players Los Angeles traded away this year.

It was a price the Galaxy was willing to pay.

Tim Leiweke, the influential president of the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which counts five MLS teams, including the Galaxy, among its holdings, said in an interview with The Times in November that he believed Donovan's place was in MLS.

"Landon Donovan's the best player in MLS," Leiweke said. "Landon Donovan's the best player in the United States Soccer Federation's entire system. And Landon Donovan, God bless him, loves Major League Soccer.

"Landon has an issue he has to resolve in Germany one way or another. He has to resolve it once and for all. We knew this was coming for a while, and the league's going to have to work this out."

The message was clear: AEG wanted MLS to do whatever was necessary to help Donovan sever ties with Germany and return America's star to America's league.

As it turned out, Donovan opted to honor the contract he had with Bayer Leverkusen, which signed him as a highly promising 16-year-old out of Redlands East Valley High in February 1999.

He spent two predominantly unhappy years in Leverkusen, a grim industrial town without a hint of the California lifestyle to which Donovan was accustomed, and was unable to break into the first team.

After four years in MLS, however, he believed that he was ready to try again and was morally obligated to do so.

"This is not me having to go back to Germany," he said on Nov. 24. "This is me wanting to go back to Germany.

"They've assured me it's not a prison I'm going back to. If I don't like it, they will do whatever they need to do to make me happy."

And then there was this:

"I want to assure everyone [that] MLS is absolutely in my future at some point," he said. "I wish I could tell you when. I don't know. I'm going to Leverkusen with an open mind, but … I can promise you I'll be back in MLS someday."

April 2 might be that day.

--------------------------------

Stupi dmove for the Galaxy and Donovan. He needs to stay in mainland Europe and away from the MLS. The Galaxy need to keep Ruiz as it'll help them keep the Hispanic community with Chivas USA taking all of the Chivas fans, which dominant SoCal.

[rkmsuf]

The Galaxy is poised to trade its leading player

wow that's a big team.

[Crapshoot]

That would suck - if he can't it in Europe, you can't really label him as one of the better young talents anymore. besides- giving up after 2 months ? Wtf ?

[DaddyTorgo]

but hey, at least we're up to #10 (tied with Italy) in the FIFA rankings, Landon in Europe or not. Bummer for him, but maybe it really was a horrible fit? Still, 2 months seems a bit weak.

[tanglewood]

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

That would suck - if he can't it in Europe, you can't really label him as one of the better young talents anymore. besides- giving up after 2 months ? Wtf ?

My thought exactly. He's been back two months and he already wants to bail? That's ridiculous. So he hasn't always been in the team, did he expect to walk right in considering how well the previous stint went? And even when he has played his performances have been less than spectacular.

[Hurst2112]

I thought this was a thread about the singer Donavan. He is on tour with Mellencamp.

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by Hurst2112

I thought this was a thread about the singer Donavan. He is on tour with Mellencamp.

Superman or Green Lantern ain't got...nuthin' on me.

[condors]

i wouldn't say Donovan can't cut it. I would say Donovan isn't a very popular figure at Leverkusen. He didn't like his first stay there. He was open about wanting to play in the USA. Leverkusen owned his rights so he had to come back. He wasn't in the starting 11 for any regular basis. Donovan is a quality player. Did you see him in the world cup? in the MLS? He can play at any level.

[vyshka]

If he can't get settled in with Leverkusen he should give England a shot. He needs to play in Europe if he wants to reach his full potential.

[Tekneek]

He surely gets more confidence playing here in MLS than he does there. Instead of a loan, though, MLS should buy him and bring him home. If they don't like the price, maybe some corporation or rich soccer lover could pony up the cash to bring him back on an MLS contract.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by vyshka

If he can't get settled in with Leverkusen he should give England a shot. He needs to play in Europe if he wants to reach his full potential.

I'd much rather have him not play anywhere near England. We dont want any bad habits forming from the style they play there.

[bhlloy]

Confidence is one thing, but he's never going to be a world class player playing against MLS competition. He needs to get a good couple of seasons in Europe, preferably in the Premiership or he's going to find himself dropping behind the other US players who are playing at a higher level on a regular basis.

I have no doubt skillwise he's good enough, but maybe not mentally ready yet. Which is worrying seeing as he should be coming into his prime right around now.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by Hurst2112

I thought this was a thread about the singer Donavan. He is on tour with Mellencamp.

I was also expecting it to be about him.

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

I'd much rather have him not play anywhere near England. We dont want any bad habits forming from the style they play there.

Can you explain why you wouldn't want him playing in the most competitive league in the world? Exactly what bad habits are you talking about?

[Desnudo]

Surely he'd develop better habits playing in one of the best leagues in the world rather than our mediocre domestic league. If playing hard, physical football for 90 minutes is a bad habit, I wish more US players would pick it up.

I think it's unfortunate that he ended up in Germany in the first place. I don't think the style of soccer they play and the mentality they bring to the game represents the best situation for him. Lots of players have failed to adjust to certain styles of play, moving between Italy and England for example, only to succeed elsewhere. I wonder if he wouldn't be more successful in the Dutch or French leagues.

Calling a one game performance "a personal waterloo" is ridiculous. Expecting any player to move into a foreign culture and immediately succeed is asking a lot. I do wonder if he has the personal determination and desire to succeed at the highest level though.

[Tekneek]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

Calling a one game performance "a personal waterloo" is ridiculous.

This sort of thing happens all of the time. One bad game can keep you toiling in the reserves for weeks and months at some of those clubs.

[Desnudo]

The Leverkusen coach should be looking at himself on that one. Putting him in to start in a CL match at Anfield, already down 3-1, seems a bit a of a strech, considering he'd hardly played domestically for them. And it's not exactly like the rest of the team shone that night.

[ISiddiqui]

Not a good move. Not just for him, but American soccer players in general. Donovan is seen as the US star player and if it is seen that he can't cut it in Europe and runs with his tail between his legs, what other European team will take a flyer on an American?

[PilotMan]

You know but what about the flip side of that. He is obviously, besides maybe Adu, the most visible, marketable player in the MLS. The fact that he would be playing at home could have a significant impact on the MLS. I seems to me that quality players returning home brings up the quality of the league as a whole. Individually, it may not be the best for his long term growth, but we all know how important morale is in performance.

[Desnudo]

I don't think it will stop the flow of Americans over to Europe, but it certainly won't help accelerate it. Why does it have to be either Germany or home? Surely some other team in Europe would be interested in his skills.

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

The Leverkusen coach should be looking at himself on that one. Putting him in to start in a CL match at Anfield, already down 3-1, seems a bit a of a strech, considering he'd hardly played domestically for them. And it's not exactly like the rest of the team shone that night.

umm, he was missing 3 strikers due to injury- you think he had options ?

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by PilotMan

You know but what about the flip side of that. He is obviously, besides maybe Adu, the most visible, marketable player in the MLS. The fact that he would be playing at home could have a significant impact on the MLS. I seems to me that quality players returning home brings up the quality of the league as a whole. Individually, it may not be the best for his long term growth, but we all know how important morale is in performance.

It would be better for US soccer in the long run (and short run, I'd argue) if Donovan was successful in Europe. Perhaps he should consider going to Europe, if he doesn't like Germany. If he fails, the US soccer player is seen much less favorably, and the big clubs will be wary of signing them.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

umm, he was missing 3 strikers due to injury- you think he had options ?

umm, well he was able to find someone to sub in for him, so obviously yes.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

It would be better for US soccer in the long run (and short run, I'd argue) if Donovan was successful in Europe. Perhaps he should consider going to Europe, if he doesn't like Germany. If he fails, the US soccer player is seen much less favorably, and the big clubs will be wary of signing them.

I don't think his (possible) failure changes things that much. We're past the point where Europe perceives the US as devoid of prospects. Beasley's success at PSV alone is enough to prove that and EPL teams wouldn't be putting American players into their youth programs if they didn't feel they could succeed..

[HomerJSimpson]

I would think he'd be a good fit in the Dutch league. I, too, would love for him to get out of Germany, but not back here.

[moriarty]

If this is true, he gave up way too early IMO. Yes, he had a bad game against Liverpool, and he is a substitute at best right now ... but he's only been with the team a couple of months. Look at DMB ... he's not starting and yet he's working his butt off to still contribute to PSV. Look at Tim Howard. He got dumped and he's still fighting for the starting goalkeeper spot for Man U.

These guys want to make themselves better players. They talk about playing against the best competition. Even in Landon's interviews he tends to talk more about the importance of enjoying himself and less on making himself a better player ... he seems to lack the Jordan/Woods instict which makes athletes great.

It'll be good for the MLS in the short term ... but bad for the National team in the long term as IMO it'll stunt the development of one of their best players. DMB is now the man.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

Can you explain why you wouldn't want him playing in the most competitive league in the world? Exactly what bad habits are you talking about?

I didn't mean it as a slam, but the style that is played in the EPL isn't the same style that Arena uses and the systems would clash a little too noticeable.

I'd send Donovan to Mexico personally....

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

I don't think his (possible) failure changes things that much. We're past the point where Europe perceives the US as devoid of prospects. Beasley's success at PSV alone is enough to prove that and EPL teams wouldn't be putting American players into their youth programs if they didn't feel they could succeed..

I think that's a far too optimistic view. Even with the success of Beasley (and it isn't that much of a success), most Europeans (especially Brits) think American players are crap already. Don't need to give them more fodder.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

I think that's a far too optimistic view. Even with the success of Beasley (and it isn't that much of a success), most Europeans (especially Brits) think American players are crap already. Don't need to give them more fodder.

Maybe the average fan does. But I don't think managers feel the same way, or else Demarcus wouldn't even be at PSV and Arsenal, Man U and Liverpool wouldn't have Americans in their youth systems.

Edit: I think 11 goals and 35 first team appearances is a pretty solid start for Beasley.

[moriarty]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

Maybe the average fan does. But I don't think managers feel the same way, or else Demarcus wouldn't even be at PSV and Arsenal, Man U and Liverpool wouldn't have Americans in their youth systems.

Edit: I think 11 goals and 35 first team appearances is a pretty solid start for Beasley.

I agree, I think the managers/scouts all realize that there is a tremendous amount of untapped athleticism in the US and the number of US players abroad will continue to grow (and not just goalies). Until we have a true overseas star (who isn't a goalie) though I think most fans overseas will underestimate US players.

Still the best way to convince everyone is to have a strong national team and I think we become stronger the more our players get used to playing against top competition overseas. Which brings us back to Donovan ...

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

I think that's a far too optimistic view. Even with the success of Beasley (and it isn't that much of a success), most Europeans (especially Brits) think American players are crap already. Don't need to give them more fodder.

As a Brit I don't agree with that statement at all, I think there is a lot of respect for US soccer over here right now. I actually think we probably have a bit more of a legacy of respecting US soccer than most other European nations - remembering the days of Wegerle at Coventry and Harkes at Sheff Wed. Either way everybody knows the US is a decent team and is producing talented players. I think what you are really crying out for now is a star player who is on one of the top teams and in a starring role. I understand Donovan moving back home will be nice for MLS marketing wise but the disappointment is that he looked like he was going to be that star for a while. Beasley could still be that player and I'm not going to rule out Howard at Man Utd if he can become a bit more consistent because he is in the perfect position - goalie at the biggest team in the world.

Donovan could walk into a team like Man City or Portsmouth and at least be a key contributor off the bench and there is no doubt it would make him a better player than if he goes to MLS. Even the Mexican league is a good 2-3 notches at least below Premiership standard.
And if Arena is worried about his players playing a "European" or "British" style of football - dare I say that is the style of football he will probably need to get further in a major tournament? Samba football is OK if you have Brazil like talent, but the US doesn't have that kind of talent. For now anyway.

[Easy Mac]

Originally Posted by moriarty

If this is true, he gave up way too early IMO. Yes, he had a bad game against Liverpool, and he is a substitute at best right now ... but he's only been with the team a couple of months. Look at DMB ... he's not starting and yet he's working his butt off to still contribute to PSV. Look at Tim Howard. He got dumped and he's still fighting for the starting goalkeeper spot for Man U.

These guys want to make themselves better players. They talk about playing against the best competition. Even in Landon's interviews he tends to talk more about the importance of enjoying himself and less on making himself a better player ... he seems to lack the Jordan/Woods instict which makes athletes great.

It'll be good for the MLS in the short term ... but bad for the National team in the long term as IMO it'll stunt the development of one of their best players. DMB is now the man.

You mean someone wants to have fun playing the sport they love? Perish the thought. Besides he always seemed the happiest playing in the US anyway. Its not like the 15-20 games he plays each year for the US won't help him stay at the top of his game.

However, how does San Jose make out in all this. They had to give up Donovan, and now they get nothing when he comes back after 2 months. Not really fair to them.

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

You mean someone wants to have fun playing the sport they love? Perish the thought. Besides he always seemed the happiest playing in the US anyway. Its not like the 15-20 games he plays each year for the US won't help him stay at the top of his game.

DOLA - unfortunately probably not against the kind of teams the US generally faces. The CONCACAF qualifiers - these kind of games are not going to keep a player sharp or improve his skills. IMO, he wants to develop he has to play in Europe. Not belittling MLS, but the coaching and standard of play just aren't there.

[moriarty]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

You mean someone wants to have fun playing the sport they love? Perish the thought. Besides he always seemed the happiest playing in the US anyway. Its not like the 15-20 games he plays each year for the US won't help him stay at the top of his game.

I respect what you're saying, and if it makes Donovan happy that's cool for him. My point is that the elite athletes always want to play against the top competition anywhere, anyplace, anytime. I'm sure Demarcus misses living in the US too but it seems he's more interested in maximizing his development.

And 10-20 games mostly against teams like Trinadad and Tobago etc... is not the same thing. Even his own coach, Bruce Arena has said on mutliple occasions Donovan needs to play overseas to continue to grow as a player.

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

As a Brit I don't agree with that statement at all, I think there is a lot of respect for US soccer over here right now. I actually think we probably have a bit more of a legacy of respecting US soccer than most other European nations - remembering the days of Wegerle at Coventry and Harkes at Sheff Wed. Either way everybody knows the US is a decent team and is producing talented players. I think what you are really crying out for now is a star player who is on one of the top teams and in a starring role. I understand Donovan moving back home will be nice for MLS marketing wise but the disappointment is that he looked like he was going to be that star for a while. Beasley could still be that player and I'm not going to rule out Howard at Man Utd if he can become a bit more consistent because he is in the perfect position - goalie at the biggest team in the world.

Well, on a couple different forums (BigSoccer and SDMB), I've had Brits who've said the US's WC success in 2002 was a fluke and American players are not that good except as goalkeepers. It seems that the general impression was that Brits look at the US soccer players and national team with more than a bit of disdain, while nationals of other countries don't seem to have that view.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by moriarty

I agree, I think the managers/scouts all realize that there is a tremendous amount of untapped athleticism in the US and the number of US players abroad will continue to grow (and not just goalies). Until we have a true overseas star (who isn't a goalie) though I think most fans overseas will underestimate US players.

Still the best way to convince everyone is to have a strong national team and I think we become stronger the more our players get used to playing against top competition overseas. Which brings us back to Donovan ...

I think you're right about the true star. That's why the excitement about Freddy Adu grew so big. I agree with the previous poster that said Beasley might be the more likely future superstar especially when you compare his mentality, strong and confident, with Donovan's, kind of a homeboy. Eddie Johnson might be another one who could make a big impact in Europe since he seems to have the confidence and drive that Beasley has.

[moriarty]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Well, on a couple different forums (BigSoccer and SDMB), I've had Brits who've said the US's WC success in 2002 was a fluke and American players are not that good except as goalkeepers. It seems that the general impression was that Brits look at the US soccer players and national team with more than a bit of disdain, while nationals of other countries don't seem to have that view.

I'd be willing to bet that those same individuals wouldn't complain if Donovan or Beasley happened to end up on their clubs. Ask the Man U fans if they'd like to release Jonathon Spector on a free ... or Fulham if they'd prefer to part with Boconegra. My guess is not.

[vyshka]

What I don't understand is how he can be contemplating this after just a couple of months back. Did he think he wouldn't have to earn a spot on the first team and they would give it to him as part of the 'do anything to make him happy clause'? He talks about moral obligation and is going to run like a baby after 1 bad app in the CL? Sounds like he still hasn't grown up any more than the last time he was with Leverkusen. If it turns out true, I will have lost a lot of respect for him.

[SunDancer]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

As a Brit I don't agree with that statement at all, I think there is a lot of respect for US soccer over here right now. I actually think we probably have a bit more of a legacy of respecting US soccer than most other European nations - remembering the days of Wegerle at Coventry and Harkes at Sheff Wed. Either way everybody knows the US is a decent team and is producing talented players. I think what you are really crying out for now is a star player who is on one of the top teams and in a starring role. I understand Donovan moving back home will be nice for MLS marketing wise but the disappointment is that he looked like he was going to be that star for a while. Beasley could still be that player and I'm not going to rule out Howard at Man Utd if he can become a bit more consistent because he is in the perfect position - goalie at the biggest team in the world.

Donovan could walk into a team like Man City or Portsmouth and at least be a key contributor off the bench and there is no doubt it would make him a better player than if he goes to MLS. Even the Mexican league is a good 2-3 notches at least below Premiership standard.
And if Arena is worried about his players playing a "European" or "British" style of football - dare I say that is the style of football he will probably need to get further in a major tournament? Samba football is OK if you have Brazil like talent, but the US doesn't have that kind of talent. For now anyway.

What is Samba football? "European" football is technical, passing, slow-tempo, and British is uptempo-physical style right? What type of style of Arena want/play?

I think the US is putting together a good system finally (would hosting the WC in 94 be a big part for this) for producing stronger talent throug the ranks. Do you see Abu to be in Europe in 3 years, starting? I think the US can do well in Germany next summer. I think Europeans are starting to see the US players, possibly more physically gifted, though not as technically developed?

[vyshka]

I believe Samba is Brazilian football

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by SunDancer

What is Samba football? "European" football is technical, passing, slow-tempo, and British is uptempo-physical style right? What type of style of Arena want/play?

I think the US is putting together a good system finally (would hosting the WC in 94 be a big part for this) for producing stronger talent throug the ranks. Do you see Abu to be in Europe in 3 years, starting? I think the US can do well in Germany next summer. I think Europeans are starting to see the US players, possibly more physically gifted, though not as technically developed?

I think that's the case, judging by the ratings in FM 05. Great physical, poor technical, which may be a hangover bias.

And Samba is Brazilian football. Flair and creativity.

[SunDancer]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

I think that's the case, judging by the ratings in FM 05. Great physical, poor technical, which may be a hangover bias.

And Samba is Brazilian football. Flair and creativity.

Yeah, I wasn't exactly sure what Samba football was base on.

Personally, if we can get our talented, physically gifted players over to Europe to develop the technical skills, I think we would have some extremely world-class players.

[daedalus]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

I didn't mean it as a slam, but the style that is played in the EPL isn't the same style that Arena uses and the systems would clash a little too noticeable.

I'd send Donovan to Mexico personally....

I like Arena's "style" as much as I like Sven Goran Eriksson. Thank the Heavens Emile Heskey isn't American.

You are afraid that Donovan will learn bad habits so you think he should go to the Mexican league. Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooookay.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by SunDancer

Yeah, I wasn't exactly sure what Samba football was base on.

Personally, if we can get our talented, physically gifted players over to Europe to develop the technical skills, I think we would have some extremely world-class players.

I think the physical development in the US is the best in the world due to the other pro sports forging its development. I also think the next generation is going to be a lot better technically. From what I see at local soccer fields, people seem to know what they're doing from a training standpoint, which didn't use to be the case.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by daedalus

I like Arena's "style" as much as I like Sven Goran Eriksson. Thank the Heavens Emile Heskey isn't American.

You are afraid that Donovan will learn bad habits so you think he should go to the Mexican league. Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooookay.

Mexican players rarely take Euro offers to leave their country and they have some fiercely loyal fans. Being from SoCal, you tend to see it a bit more down here than I'm sure you do where you are at.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Mexican players rarely take Euro offers to leave their country and they have some fiercely loyal fans. Being from SoCal, you tend to see it a bit more down here than I'm sure you do where you are at.

Dola

You are from here....lol

My mistake. All the same, I've been exposed to a lot of the Mexican Soccer leagues and think that Donovan would benefit from playing down there...

[Mr. Wednesday]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

The Leverkusen coach should be looking at himself on that one. Putting him in to start in a CL match at Anfield, already down 3-1, seems a bit a of a strech, considering he'd hardly played domestically for them. And it's not exactly like the rest of the team shone that night.

Ponte was out on accumulation of cautions, that's why Landon started that game.

I've seen a variety of speculation about the situation, and there are some people who think that his style of play doesn't really fit with the way Leverkusen plays right now.

[daedalus]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

I'd much rather have him not play anywhere near England. We dont want any bad habits forming from the style they play there.

Originally Posted by MrBug708

I didn't mean it as a slam, but the style that is played in the EPL isn't the same style that Arena uses and the systems would clash a little too noticeable.

I'd send Donovan to Mexico personally....

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Mexican players rarely take Euro offers to leave their country and they have some fiercely loyal fans. Being from SoCal, you tend to see it a bit more down here than I'm sure you do where you are at.

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Dola

You are from here....lol

My mistake. All the same, I've been exposed to a lot of the Mexican Soccer leagues and think that Donovan would benefit from playing down there...

I have no doubt about the loyalty of Mexican fans nor the fierceness of their loyalty. They are great fans.

On the other hand, I still fail to see how the level of fierceness of Mexican fans make that league a better place for Donovan to play than the Premiership, a league considered to be amongst the elites in the world. I'm of the opinion that the Premiership is, at the moment, the best fit for Donovan - he has the speed and sufficient technical skill to make some noise in that league and I think he could use learning to deal with the physical play. The only other elite-level league I would think him a good fit in would be La Liga and I'm not sure his technical skill are refine enough for that league.

[SunDancer]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

I think the physical development in the US is the best in the world due to the other pro sports forging its development. I also think the next generation is going to be a lot better technically. From what I see at local soccer fields, people seem to know what they're doing from a training standpoint, which didn't use to be the case.

Yeap, our sports mindset and passion is based on the physical athletic play. It seems these countries really have one "sport", expect here, you have many differnet primary sports. In high school, kids are constantly playing differnet sports (maybe football in the fall, basketball in the winter, track and field in the spring). It does seem the next generation is better technically. Is it a possible increase in soccer's awareness and slowly-growing popularity, and development on better youth coaching, is the reason for this?

How good is Freddy Abu? I haven't gotten a chance to see him play yet (the MLS isn't on too much).

[SunDancer]

dola...

What is Arena's style of play? Does Mexico play more of a La Liga style?