Write On Sports LLC - "Fools gold" by Gareth Sleger

Fools gold

2007-04-27 01:15:15 | By: Gareth Sleger

At times, Landon Donovan is the greatest U.S. soccer player of all time. At times, Landon Donovan is the most underachieving U.S. soccer player of all time.

So, which is it?

Is he the player who drove the U.S. in friendlies against Denmark, Mexico and Ecuador earlier this year or is he the player who has completely disappeared in the first few weeks of this important Major League Soccer season?

Conflicting questions about Donovan’s performance could go on forever; but one thing consistent is his inconsistency.

Coming into this year’s Major League Soccer season, it appeared league’s one-time golden child was on the upswing. But as the story usually goes with his fickle career—going from a standout in the 2002 World Cup to a flop during his short European spell with Bayer Leverkusen in 2004—it takes moments of disappointment to churn up some magic.

After captaining a Los Angeles Galaxy-side that failed to make the playoffs for the first time in team history and leading a lackluster U.S. attack in the World Cup in 2006, Donovan reemerged to greatness during the Yanks’ recent set of four domestic friendlies. In the first two matches, the 25-year-old ended his 18-game scoreless slide for the U.S. with a penalty kick against Denmark, and then assisted and scored in a 2-0 win over Mexico’s A-list.

But it was his well rounded, hat trick performance on March 25 against an Ecuador team featuring a heavy contingent of World Cup players that had critics keeping faith in his ability to control a game.

Donovan’s first goal showed his poise (taking advantage of a poor clearance to catch Ecuador’s goalkeeper just his line), his second showed his pace (streaking down the right flank created by a give-and-go from Brian Ching) and his third showed his power (smashing a 25-yard bomb into the right upper 90 off a perfectly created counter attacking wing-play, set up by DaMarcus Beasley).

But what should have been a preview for an incredible MLS season, it appears that the familiar pattern is back to the downswing.

Week 1 in a 0-0 draw against Houston Dynamo, Donovan had six chances (a game-high) go begging, including a short range shot that should have ended with his signature leaping fist-pump celebration. And Week 2 didn’t even allow for missed chances. In a 2-1 home loss to FC Dallas, he seemed one step behind the game’s pace and was nowhere to be found in the attack. His only contribution was swinging in the late assist on a corner, but even that was after a number of poor crosses.

But the solution for Donovan’s woes could come down to a formation tweak.

It doesn’t matter if the formation is 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, the most effective place for Donovan is setup right behind two strikers, not just one—like he is with the Galaxy’s Nate Jaqua.

That two-striker screen was flawlessly implemented by U.S. interim coach Bob Bradley against Ecuador. And obviously, the outcome was unquestionable.

With Donovan backing up strikers Ching and Eddie Johnson, space was allowed for him to play that deadly double agent role as an attacking midfielder. So while Ecuadorian defenders were forced to focus on Ching and Johnson, Donovan was able to create his three goals running out of the midfield, instead of playing with his back to the goal.

And Galaxy coach Frank Yollap has the attacking personnel to accommodate this. With the idea of placing Donovan in role as a free-range player, keep 6-foot-3 Jaqua up front for size and strength and partner him with rookie Robbie Findley’s quickness and technique.

But as simple as that might sound, come July, the pressure will only mount for Donovan to improve when David Beckham arrives.

Becks will most likely lineup in a wing position, which should thin out opposing defenses even more for Donovan. Meaning, when the Brit feeds the ball in, all expectations will be on Donovan to finish with consistency.

Yes, the success of MLS’s prized golden goose sits on the shoulders of MLS’s jilted golden child.

Underachieving will no longer be an option.

Comments

Jeffrey Moore commented,
Nice article. Donovan does need to be more consistent, in particular with the national team. I saw him score that hat trick. He was awesome. I like the change in formation b/c I agree his pace is where good things happen.
May 6, 2007 2:56 p.m.

John Michaels commented,
Garth, I just recently found this website, and I am a huge soccer fan. This was an old subject now that Landon Donovan has finally stepped up and started to play like he should, but your article hit it right on the head. As of today, in Donovan's last 8 games he has 4 goals, 4 assist, and Los Angeles is 5-1-2. Can you say MVP. ps When are you going to write another article? If you do, Galaxy talk is fine for me. I am also a baseball fan, Dodgers and Cubs are my two favorite Keep up the good work Garth!!!!!
June 13, 2007 3:48 p.m.

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