Amateur Analysis: Landon Donovan Returns (Sort Of)

Will Klinsmann wait for LD like Bruce Arena did?

Yesterday, the LA Galaxy announced that midfielder Landon Donovan would be returning to the team by the end of March. This ended a ton of speculation as to if/when he would return. Unfortunately, now that his return is announced, it only raises more questions about what will happen next, especially regarding his USMNT status.

Club wise, there's little doubt that once he if fully fit for the MLS season, he'll be the captain & playmaker for the Galaxy. With David Beckham gone, he's only going to be a more critical piece if they want to continue their success as 2-time defending champions. He and Robbie Keane are going to continue the fantastic run they had in the latter part of last season, and it should translate into some good results.

The questions will arise when it comes to national team duty, however. We lost at Jamaica last year when he was hurt and couldn't play. We lost at Honduras a couple weeks ago while he was on sabbatical. It's extremely clear that the USMNT desperately needs him badly. Although I feel that Brek Shea, Stu Holden, Josh Gatt, and Mix Diskerud can be players in the future to replace LD on on the right wing, none are there just yet (either mentally or physically). When Landon isn't in the USMNT roster, we miss his speed, creativity, and competitive drive. He may not be a vocal leader, but he's the greatest player we've ever had and motivates everyone else to keep fighting.

If this projection holds true, then he's expected to miss at least 2 WCQs: Costa Rica and at Mexico. Something tells me that he's not going to want to miss the game at Mexico in late March. He's always pusehd himself to another level for Mexico, and hopefully he can get fired up to play at Azteca for what might be his last time.

We just have to hope that Jurgen Klinsmann was as patient as Bruce Arena was for Landon Donovan to come back. If he was, then we should get a very motivated and refreshed player coming into our national team once again. If he wasn't patient, then the era of post-Landon Donovan might be upon us. And after getting a few glimpses at it, it doesn't look so good.

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