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Landon Donovan’s Snub Will Have Little Impact on United States’ World Cup Hopes
Published: May 27, 2014
When Jurgen Klinsmann unveiled the final 23-man roster headed to Brazil this summer, there was an initial shock that one of the biggest stars in U.S. soccer history was missing:
You could understand from where the bemusement was stemming.
Ask anybody who he'd most prefer between Donovan, Julian Green and Brad Davis, and almost everyone would tell you the Los Angeles Galaxy No. 10.
Speaking to reporters after his exclusion, Donovan remained civil but revealed his surprise at Klinsmann's decision.
As Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl wrote at the time, Donovan had a role in the World Cup roster, at the very least as a super sub, and Donovan's disposition isn't as such that he'd create problems in the dressing room if he wasn't starting every match.
But in truth, would taking Donovan have improved the United States to a considerable degree?
From a tactical standpoint, it seems unlikely.
Klinsmann viewed Donovan as a forward, which never was a good fit for the coach's formation. He's not a natural striker, and that can be a problem when you only play with one forward.
The false nine has worked in the past with Barcelona and Spain, but Donovan is far from the level of Lionel Messi or Cesc Fabregas.
ESPN FC's Adrian Melville (subscription required) examined where on the pitch Donovan would've been utilized and came to this conclusion:
The current version of Donovan was trapped between two possible positions, attacking midfielder and supporting forward, on Klinsmann's 30-man roster. And based on the roles that Donovan likely could have filled in Brazil, along with the depth of the final roster, it appears the United States will not suffer a...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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