Landon Donovan's Loan to Everton FC

I won't do this often, delve into the world of sports, that is, unless of course, there is resounding success and substantial payoff for my efforts and endeavors on the subject of world soccer...but I'm not holding my breath. Briefly though, i want to explore Landon Donovan's eminent loan move to Everton FC in the English Premier League (EPL).

It is argued that the EPL is the fastest, most physical, and certainly the richest league in the world. In terms of speed and entertainment it is a special league with special teams and great players. I hesitate to say the best league because often the more technical attributes of the game are lost in the speed and physicality of the game in England. The slower technical flow of Spain's La Liga or France's Ligue 1 are generally absent (with the notable exception of Arsenal.) Donovan is laying himself on the line for Everton, a highly physical hardworking team that consists of more graft than gift and lacks the technical properties that make Donovan the unique American player he is. To be completely honest if he couldn't hack it in the German Bundesliga 1 is he really going to have an impact at Everton? A player who excels on the ball, running at defense, and using the open space and athleticism that the U.S. Men's team tries to implement? His game is built on speed and technical playing, not the physical power of the EPL and i am afraid Landon will flop. I want, though, to see him succeed.

Donovan is a special talent for the US and we have no other player who can control the game the way he can. Bradely is turning out to be little more than a one trick pony for the U.S. men and Edu can't get a game. Jeremy Jones is untried...Coach Bradely has to go if this team is going to explore its full potential and find a focal point in its tactics. That focal point has to be Donovan and he has to succeed at the highest possible level to give credibility to his place on the international stage. I just wish that place were to be Ligue 1 in France or La Liga in Spain. A place to really foster his considerable technical talents, not stunt them in a 2 1/2 loan spell in England. Hardly enough time to unpack his bags much less adapt to the richest league in the world.

I applaud the effort and hope he succeeds but i wont be holding my breath, for long anyways. What do you think?