Jurgen Klinsmann wanted to avoid the questions on why he decided in taking an unproven youngster while leaving Landon Donovan at home. I understand that as a coach you have to take potential talent to the World Cup, but leaving out the most accomplished player in US Men’s Soccer is ridiculous. Klinsmann has stated that there are younger players ahead of Donovan in certain areas. Yes, that might be true, but young players will lack what Donovan has; the mentality of making a decision, while the young stars will just try and make the best for it.
The 32-year old Donovan has a record of 57 international goals and is second with 156 appearances. He was trying to make his fourth World Cup appearance, although he is scoreless with his current team, the Los Angeles Galaxy. Klinsmann decided to drop him from the first half of 2013 after Donovan took a 4 month sabbatical. The coach does praise his experience and his passing game, but yet to me it makes no sense, it seems that he didn’t care.
When Donovan entered the game,the game style would change. We would get an aggressive American team through Donovan. He was always following up with the plays his teammates started and if there was a mistake, Donovan helped young stars get over it. It’s a big disappointment we won’t get to see Landon Donovan, a.k.a. “Captain America”, in this World Cup. It’s a bad call leaving Donovan out and I have concluded that the US will not be coming out of their group.
Landon Donovan’s Stats:
57 International goals
156 appearances with the USMNT
5 World Cup goals
Perennial All-Star
2009 MLS MVP
6 Honda Player of the Year Awards
Photo Credit: USAToday Sports
