DD is right that sometimes it's just not a good fit, but I have seen Donovan play and I'm sure he is a good player, but just not at the absolute top level. In other words, I think he could play a good role for a middle-of-the-pack English Premier League or Bundesliga team (which in itself is already quite an achievement for an American), but he can't play on the level of Bayern, Barca, Man U, Inter, Real, etc.
I disagree completely, I think he would excel on the better sides, because he would be playing with better players. Donovan would thrive playing for some of the more creative sides.....mostly not the ones in Germany by the way. DD
This is assuming he could get playing time with whichever side he would (hypothetically) join. I think a mid-level English or Spanish team would suit him best since I can't realistically see him getting playing time with a Real Madrid or Chelsea caliber team.
DD, appreciate your love for the guy, but he is just not good enough. I have seen enough of him in person to know.
He played on Everton and was playing great. I think he would be wonderful on Man U. But either way, I doubt we see it, because the Galaxy want him unless someone offers a massive transfer fee. Perhaps if he has a very good WC someone might bite, I actually would rather he be in the EPL....as they are the best league in the world. Aha, then the problem is that you are not a good enough judge of football talent. DD
100% agreed that he was great for Everton and I'd love to see him play for Man U, I'm just not convinced the transfer fee is the only thing keeping him from playing there (although it is a major obstacle). Man U and Chelsea, stacked as they are, wouldn't represent a good option in the EPL in terms of playing time. One of the other top 4 teams, such as Arsenal or Tottenham (who are in the market for an attacking midfield player like Donovan) would be great for him though. Whatever your thoughts, I think we can all agree he needs to get out of the MLS.
England has better talent than France, Germany, and Portugal? On Portugal I agree, but France and Germany are just as talented. France doesn't play very well together but they probably have the deepest team in the tournament.
So then WHY DID HE SIGN WITH THEM!?!?! He should have never played with them if it wasn't "his style." Not "his style"? You're going to tell me that great players only play with teams that play their "style" of playing? That is bull.
As a fan, I would like him to go to a higher league, but he should do whatever he thinks is best. Sometimes being a big fish in a smaller pond is more attractive to some folks. DD
Sometimes players make mistakes, they sign with clubs they think will work out and it doesn't. Happens all the time.... Life and sports are not as black and white as you try to make it Swoly...sorry. DD
Of course great players try to only play with teams that fit their style. Kurt Warner was great with St. Louis because it fit his style. He went to the Giants where they were a running team and not vertical at all. He was terrible. He then goes to the Cardinals who want to throw. What happens? He's back in as a potential HOF'er. There are loads and loads of cases about great players who switched teams and styles and ended up leaving in short order. We know you don't like Donovan. You never have. It's in your blood.
OK Germany I can agree on, not so much France though. I was just trying to make the point that England deserve to be considered in that list of 2nd tier teams anyways.
France and Portugal both have at least one player who is better than anyone on the English team (Ribery and Ronaldo).
Ah... so it was a mistake; it's just that no one says it... cool... at least you're honest. So only "some players" do well with ALL teams they sign. All clear now. Thanks.
That's weird, I thought the game was played with 11 players. I would take England's first XI over either France's or Portugals, they have a much better mix of young talent and experienced veterans. Also, there's also no way you can say Rooney's form this year isn't as impressive as both Ronaldo's or Ribery's.
Some players are smarter in their decision making process, others are eager to prove themselves and sign deals they shouldn't.... And glad I could educate you...narrowmindedness is never a good thing. :grin: Tell you what I would love to see a pairing of Donovan and Vela.......goals would rain. And Blanco, seriously? That guy is older than DIRT ! DD
Sorry I am a big fan of France so I was a little offended when you said England had more talent All these guys play big roles on big clubs, you've probably heard of all of them, don't tell me this group of players aren't top talent. The fact that they don't play very well with one another is another story. Bacary Sagna Éric Abidal William Gallas Marc Planus Patrice Evra Gaël Clichy Yoann Gourcuff Mathieu Valbuena Florent Malouda Alou Diarra Abou Diaby Franck Ribéry Sidney Govou Djibril Cissé Thierry Henry Nicolas Anelka Why take my word for it, here is a few lines from goal.com doing a preview of the French team: France have a great team...on paper. Their players ply their trade for the biggest clubs of the world (Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal, OL, Barcelona), so the squad has potential to win the World Cup. France have a great attacking team with Anelka, Ribery, Henry, Benzema, and Gourcuff. http://www.goal.com/en-us/teams/france/17/france/profile
Who's disagreeing with that? He's old. Yeap. Watch his 100% accurate passes, sir. Yes, I know you're older than him, sir. Anyway, we all agree, Donovan made a mistake, and he's not the greatest player I thought he was. Onto another topic: What do you all think about Tim Howard ALWAYS screaming at his defenders like they're rented mules? I hate seeing that. The GALAVISION commentators touched on it; I thought I was the only one who noticed it and was bothered by it. I for sure wouldn't expose that crap for everyone to see. By now, no one's listening.
