Donovan at the ESPYs
Landon Donovan had a few nice moments in the World Cup for the U.S. team. His goal against Slovenia sparked the U.S. comeback (that should have been for victory).
His goal against Algeria brought the USMNT and World Cup in the public discussion in the U.S.
The Los Angeles Galaxy star was confident and a leader and really showed maturity he has gained over the years.
Specifically, in England.
Yes, Donovan was already the best player in MLS when he went to Everton on loan, then he performed well there, well enough that the blue side of Liverpool wanted the American there longer (imagine somewhere in Liverpool there are people cheering for an American).
Donovan returned a better player. You can’t argue this fact. Donovan was a better player for having played in one of the best leagues in the world.
Just as Clint Dempsey is, and Tim Howard, and Michael Bradley, and the list goes on and on.
Major League Soccer doesn’t care. Donovan is their cash cow. While most players get a break after the World Cup, Donovan was rushed back to play in a Galaxy game that was going to be on ESPN (he would skip a game a week later that wasn’t on national TV because he was ‘resting’).
And now MLS has come out and said that Donovan isn’t for sale to a better club and league – for any price.
Don Garber today said he has no intention of accepting any transfer fee for Donovan, essentially meaning that the best player in the U.S. will continue to perform his trade against competition that doesn’t match up to him. Thus stunting his growth in the sport, and the USMNT as well.